Jane Fonda: I have seen too many lives destroyed and distorted by homophobia Actress makes surprise appearance at The Legacy Awards in LA to honor Lee Daniels 22 November 2013 | By Greg Hernandez Photo by Greg Hernandez She didnt walk the red carpet and her name did not appear in the program. So no one expected two-time Academy Award winner Jane Fonda to walk onto the stage Thursday night at The Legacy Awards in Los Angeles. But there she was, looking not even close to her 75 years, presenting the Visionary Award to Lee Daniels who directed Fonda in The Butler. Gabby Sibide was supposed to be here tonight and Lee called me about four hours ago and said Gabby was called to work in a series that shes doing and could I replace her, Fonda explained to the clearly delighted audience. I am honored to replace her, Fonda said of the actress who starred in Daniels film Precious. I Know her and I love her and I love Lee for discovering her and giving her a chance. Fonda then shared her thoughts on equality with the crowd at the gala which benefited the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project to preserve LGBT film. Ive lived a long time, twenty years of that time was in the south, and I have seen too many lives destroyed and distorted by homophobia, Fonda said. I pray with all my heart that I live to see the day when people can come out freely, safely and be accepted by every strata of society. Fonda described herself as happy and humbled to be there to present the award to Daniels. One of the things that makes me so proud of Lee Daniels and so proud that I could be here to present him with the visionary award, no one could dispute that Lee knows his way around leading men: Kevin Bacon, Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Heath Ledger, Forrest Whitaker, John Cusack and Cuba Gooding Jr. But she thinks of him even more though as a director for female actors. Just ask Monique, Mariah Carey, Gabby Sidibe Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey. These are women who were guided by Lees production or direction. Fonda, whose films include Klute, Coming Home, Julia, The China Syndrome, On Golden Pond and They Shoot Horses Dont They, has returned to making movies after a long absence and played Nancy Reagan in The Butler. Of working with Daniels on The Butler she said: It was only a day and a half down there in New Orleans but I loved working with Lee - in his pajamas. He only wears pajamas when he works in movies. I just loved it and I love Lee, I just love him. -
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:15:10 +0000