At the DVF Awards, Jane Fonda addressed the dangerous aspirations of tech billionaires, criticizing their plans for immortality through technology.
At the DVF Awards held during the Venice Film Festival, actress and activist Jane Fonda delivered a striking critique of billionaires and their ambitions to achieve immortality through technology. This speech took place on September 4, 2026, and included pointed comments towards "tech bros, oligarchs and billionaires" who she argues are increasingly detached from the realities faced by everyday people. Fonda's comments were reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Fonda tackled the disparity between the elite and the general public, stating that many wealthy individuals believe they can escape natural laws, requesting to live forever while neglecting the implications for society at large. She argued that these tech billionaires are opting to create robotic "babies" instead of embracing the responsibilities of life, further distancing themselves from societal issues.
The DVF Awards, initiated by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in 2010 to honor extraordinary women change-makers, celebrated Fonda alongside other notable honorees. The event serves as a platform for highlighting voices dedicated to positive transformations in the world. Fonda's address came amidst an atmosphere of tribute as both she and von Furstenberg dedicated the evening to the late feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
Fonda's commentary on tech-centered ambitions connects with her broader critique of the entertainment industry, especially in light of recent mergers such as the proposed Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. She expressed concerns regarding how corporate consolidations could adversely affect consumers and creative professionals alike.
Fonda criticized the potential merger, stating that it carries significant risks, including rising prices for consumers and job losses. She voiced support for a movement aimed at halting such mergers, highlighting the broader consequences these corporate decisions could have on the creative industries. Fonda’s insights emphasize the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and creative freedom in a rapidly changing entertainment sector.
Moreover, she expressed support for fellow actor Mark Ruffalo, who faced backlash and accusations of antisemitism for his opposition to the merger. Fonda condemned the treatment of Ruffalo, asserting that his criticisms were valid and part of his constitutional rights.
Despite her deep involvement in activism, Fonda expressed a desire to return to acting. She mentioned ongoing work on an adaptation of the bestselling novel The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, in collaboration with Lionsgate and Hidden Pictures, though further details on this project have yet to be confirmed.
Fonda's statements at the DVF Awards resonate widely, reflecting growing public concern regarding the ethical implications of tech-driven ambitions and corporate mergers in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to social activism alongside her creative pursuits resonates with many fans and industry professionals alike, emphasizing the intersection of art and activism as particularly relevant in today's socio-political climate.
For more on current developments in entertainment, check out our coverage on the impact of corporate mergers in media and the latest in the publishing world.
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