Jane Fonda & W. Kamau Bell Set For SXSW 2026 Keynote on First Amendment
SXSW has announced a massive wave of new speakers and sessions for its 40th anniversary edition (March 12-18), headlined by a keynote session featuring Jane Fonda and comedian W. Kamau Bell focused on the First Amendment and freedom of speech.
The keynote, titled "Say It Louder: Artists, Activism & the First Amendment," will feature Committee for the First Amendment founder Jane Fonda, W. Kamau Bell, and the ACLU's Jessica Weitz discussing the vital link between culture and action, and how the First Amendment empowers artists to challenge power.
"SXSW has always been the ultimate convergence of culture and innovation, but this announcement takes it to a new level," said Greg Rosenbaum, SVP of Programming at SXSW. "With our new format this year, the collaboration and crossover between our Conferences and Festivals has never been stronger."
Other Notable Sessions
- Keke Palmer hosts a live podcast recording of "Baby, This is Keke Palmer Live" with the cast of I Love Boosters — including Demi Moore, Naomi Ackie, and Eiza González
- Bob Odenkirk discusses his action hero evolution and the neo-Western film NORMAL with director Ben Wheatley and writer Derek Kolstad
- Gavin Newsom appears on Vox Media's podcast stage
- Andy Cohen, Riz Ahmed, and Alanis Morissette among other featured speakers
- Serena Williams presents a health innovation session via Reckitt Catalyst
Key Takeaways
- The 40th anniversary edition is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded SXSW lineups in recent memory
- The First Amendment keynote reflects growing cultural conversations around free speech and artistic expression
- The new conference format promises stronger crossover between Innovation, Film/TV, and Music tracks