9 Awards Show Looks That Show Why Jane Fonda Is Rarely On The Worst-Dressed List

Jane Fonda is on the very short list of celebs who can say they've enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades. She picked up her first film credit back in 1960 with "Tall Story," for which she earned a Most Promising Newcomer Golden Globe. Clearly, they got it right, because Fonda's work has been racking up awards and recognition ever since — from cult sci-fi classic "Barbarella" to heartstrings-tugging "Gracie and Frankie." It's all only fitting for Hollywood royalty, after all, her father was the legendary actor and producer Henry Fonda.

Aside from the accolades, another happy consequence of a lengthy acting career? You get invited to the industry's buzziest awards shows. Fonda spoke to Harper's Bazaar in 2018 about her experiences with red carpet fashion, citing the 2000 Academy Awards as the first time she really went all out with professional styling. "I remember that when I came out on-stage, there was kind of a gasp because I looked so different," she recounted.

Fonda has been a regular on the red carpet over the years, serving looks that run the gamut from cheeky and playful to smart and sophisticated — and tend to feature some retro elements. For her awards show looks, the actor knows exactly what she likes. "I have a small waist, so I like to emphasize it," Fonda said. "I try on a lot of things, and it becomes pretty clear pretty fast what looks good and appropriate for a particular event." At 88 years old, as of this writing, Jane Fonda is reframing how she thinks of beauty as she ages, but the iconic star doesn't seem to be letting off the gas when it comes to her style. 

When Jane Fonda was deciding how she wanted to look for the 90th annual Academy Awards in March 2018, we can imagine phrases like powerful but feminine and '80s-era cool got thrown around. If that's true, then she certainly accomplished the goal with this white Balmain gown. It was covered with pearls so fine you might miss them from far away, and featured strong, angular shoulders and a geometric neckline. We love how Fonda kept the '80s theme going with the funky clutch and big, brushed-back hair.

At the 57th annual Grammy Awards in February 2015, Jane Fonda showed up and delivered full-on disco-era glamour. The "Barbarella" star donned an emerald green plissé jumpsuit that looked like liquid flowing down her 5-foot-8-inch frame. She accented the outfit with a wide statement belt, gold pointy-toe pumps, and a matching fringe necklace. And, of course, Fonda had to bust out her signature fluffy layered bob. The whole look felt playful yet chic — perfect for a movie star making a Grammys cameo. 

The George Hobeika gown Jane Fonda chose for the 68th annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2011 was totally on brand — a simple cut in a timeless color jazzed up with fun, look-over-here details. The black dress featured sharp, three-dimensional shoulders and sheer sleeves adorned in sequin stripes. The "Monster-in-Law" actor walked the red carpet in nude strappy sandals, carrying a gold-patterned clutch and rocking a piecey short haircut in a natural teddy bear brunette color.

Jane Fonda won the second of her two Best Actress Oscars back in April 1979 for her role as Sally Hyde in "Coming Home." For the 51st annual ceremony, held in Los Angeles, Fonda wore an airy dress with lots of layers and batwing sleeves, crafted from a funky floral-printed fabric dotted with shimmering sequins. She looked ultra cool, and like the quintessential '70s it girl and rising star with her bright smile and bouncing curls — all while holding Hollywood's coveted golden ticket.

Jane Fonda walked the red carpet at the 44th annual Emmy Awards in August 1992, escorted by her then-husband Ted Turner, the late producer and media mogul who founded CNN. To honor the night, Fonda reached for a sexy and slinky little black dress. This particular one featured a halter neck and open back, and was covered in stones of various sizes — with a handful of large jewels seeming to twinkle against the dark fabric like stars. Her '90s messy-on-purpose updo was the right touch to complete the ethereal look. 

Jane Fonda seems to favor black, white, and earthy neutrals, but she will sometimes reach for a vibrant pop of color. Exhibit A: the Brandon Maxwell dress the "9 to 5" star chose for the 69th annual Emmy Awards in September 2017. The hot pink frock was heavy on the '70s vibes with its subtle bell sleeves, waist belt, and high neck. We also love the short train and silver accessories. Fonda also displayed a 'do different from her usual for the ceremony, rocking a heavy blunt bang and high ponytail.

In February 2026, Jane Fonda walked the red carpet at the Maltin Modern Master Award ceremony during the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The actor wore a knee-length sheer overcoat decorated in bronze loops and swirls. Fonda threw the statement piece over a simple black top and black flared slacks. The look delivered serious artist energy, and her curly floating bob — which showcased how she's embraced her natural locks as they go gray — was the perfect addition.

Jane Fonda pulled out that iconic '90s messy updo again for the 65th annual Academy Awards in March 1993. For that year's ceremony, the "Fun with Dick and Jane" lead opted for a white military-inspired dress complete with a bold collar and gold buttons trailing down the front. If you're after ways to embrace the dramatic opera glove trend, one option is to slip them on with a cooler, more playful piece, like Fonda's dress, that'll juxtapose their daintiness. 

Jane Fonda presented an award at the 92nd annual Oscars in February 2020, and she stunned in a ruby red Elie Saab number that was a sultry but sophisticated mix of sheer fabric and beading. And she brought extra pizazz by way of the coat slung with attitude over her shoulder. Fonda is the queen of switching up her hairdo, and this was the era of the spiky gray pixie. She looked amazing, but it's really no surprise that she pulled off the look so well, because this haircut is a game-changer for women over 60.