Jane Fonda’s Revived Free Speech Committee Honored with Inaugural Impact Award

The ACLU of Southern California will honor Jane Fonda and her relaunched Committee for the First Amendment this December. The new Impact Entertainment Visionaries Award recognizes their work defending creative freedom. The presentation will occur at the Impact + Profit 25 Conference in Los Angeles.

This award highlights the enduring fight against censorship in entertainment. It comes as the committee rapidly regains its historic voice.

Legacy of Resistance Meets Modern Advocacy

The Committee for the First Amendment has deep roots. It was first founded in 1947 by Hollywood legends. They stood against the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Jane Fonda recently relaunched the effort with modern creators. Founding members include Aaron Sorkin, Viola Davis, and Spike Lee. According to Reuters, the group issued a statement signed by hundreds of artists.

It calls for vigilance against government intimidation. Membership has surpassed 2,000 people in just weeks. The ACLU says this legacy is central to democracy.

Conference to Explore Storytelling for Social Change

The award ceremony is a key part of the Impact + Profit 25 conference. The event is run by the Social Impact Entertainment Society. It brings together leaders from entertainment and advocacy.

Panels will discuss press freedom, mental health, and Native representation. Experts from Johns Hopkins and USC will attend. The goal is to explore how stories can drive real-world progress.

The recognition of Jane Fonda and the Committee for the First Amendment underscores a critical moment for artistic expression. Their award signals a continued, collective commitment to safeguarding creative voices against rising censorship pressures.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Committee for the First Amendment?

It is a group originally founded in 1947 to oppose political censorship in Hollywood. Jane Fonda recently revived it with a new coalition of artists dedicated to protecting creative freedom and free speech.

Who is presenting the award?

The award is presented jointly by the ACLU of Southern California and the Social Impact Entertainment Society. It is their first Impact Entertainment Visionaries Award.

When and where is the award being given?

The award will be presented on December 4, 2024. The ceremony is at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles during the Impact + Profit 25 Conference.

What is the goal of the Impact + Profit conference?

The conference aims to unite creators and advocates. It focuses on how storytelling can be used to create measurable social change and shape culture.

Why is this award significant now?

It highlights ongoing concerns about censorship and artistic intimidation. Honoring this committee reinforces the importance of defending free expression in the creative industries today.