Jane Fonda Accepts Excellence in Film Award at Santa Barbara Film Fest Ceremony

Photo Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Santa Barbara’s Bacara Resort & Spa hosted one epic ladies night when Elizabeth Banks and Diane Lane came out to support Jane Fonda, was was in the stunning SoCal city to accept the 10th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film.

The event kicked off with a pre-reception and red carpet held in the courtyard, where guests mingled and sipped Altos del Plata wines.  Following Banks and Lane was 77-year-old Fonda, who  danced onto the red carpet looking stunning in a green Elie Saab jumpsuit.

After dinner, Hennessy’s Paradis Imperial cognac was distributed for a toast. Following the toast, Pitch Perfect 2 director Banks took the stage to thank Jane for her art, activism, and inspiration, calling her a “walking celebration of feminity and power”.  Banks also cited that while she had watched a reel including all of Fonda’s films, she was not embarrassed to say that 9 to 5, which she watched as a seven-year-old, was her favorite.  It made her dream of being a BOSS like Judy Bernly.

Lane shortly followed to present the award to Jane. Saying she was here out of a sincere love for her, Diane thanked her for being the woman who has informed everyone’s love with courage and honesty.

This evening of female empowerment concluded with Jane’s acceptance of the award. She thanked everyone in attendance as well as Kirk Douglas, who had submitted a taped message for Jane that played earlier in the evening. Jane also thanked the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and its Executive Director, Roger Durling. As an activist herself,  she lauded the festival for its many year-round charitable programs.