Jane Fonda will appear to pay tribute to Robert Redford at the TCM Film Festival’s opening night gala on April 30. (photo courtesy of IMDb)

Turner Classic Movies has announced the opening night screening for the 17th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival, taking place April 30-May 3 in the heart of Hollywood. This year’s theme, “The World Comes to Hollywood,” celebrates the fusion of global artistry and entrepreneurial vision that established the West Coast as the filmmaking capital of the world.

The festival opens Thursday, April 30, with a special of “Barefoot in the Park,” the beloved romantic comedy directed by Gene Saks. Two-time Academy Award winner Jane Fonda will attend to introduce the film and honor her friend and co-star, the late Robert Redford, with a special tribute celebrating his extraordinary legacy and enduring impact on American film. The evening will recognize both the movie’s lasting charm and Redford’s remarkable career as an actor, filmmaker and cultural force.

Turner Classic Movies pays tribute to its late host, Robert Osborne, with the Robert Osborne Award, presented annually to an individual whose work has helped preserve the cultural heritage of classic film. In 2026, the honor will be presented to Bruce Goldstein, founding repertory artistic director of New York’s Film Forum and founder of pioneering classics distributor Rialto Pictures. Through decades of repertory programming, including over 500 influential film series and retrospectives, restoration advocacy and the revitalization of international masterworks to American theaters, Goldstein has ensured that landmark films from around the world continue to inspire new audiences.

Goldstein will accept the 7th annual Robert Osborne Award at a ceremony preceding a screening of his selected film, “Nights of Cabiria” (1957), Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning masterpiece.

Continuing the celebration of artists whose work bridges cultures and generations, the festival will honor acclaimed actress Barbara Hershey, known for performances marked by emotional depth and fearless intelligence. She will appear in person for screenings of “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “A World Apart” (1988), films that reflect Hollywood’s creative conversation with global storytelling and political realities.

The festival will also recognize Oscar, Grammy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning Hall of Fame songwriter, composer and performer Paul Williams, whose work has shaped the sound of modern classics. He will attend presentations of The Muppet Movie (1979), featuring the Oscar-nominated “Rainbow Connection,” and Ishtar (1987), Elaine May’s underappreciated studio-era comedy.

“Opening Night sets the tone for the entire festival, and having Jane Fonda with us to honor her friend and co-star Robert Redford makes this year especially meaningful. Barefoot in the Park represents a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, and it’s a fitting way to begin our celebration,” TCM host Ben Mankiewicz said. “From the presentation of the Robert Osborne Award and our tributes to remarkable artists across generations, the festival connects today’s audiences to Hollywood’s enduring legacy. This year’s theme, ‘The World Comes to Hollywood,’ reflects the global creativity and ambition that built the film capital of the world and continues to shape it today.”

Other notable screenings will include “Alice in Wonderland,” “Gaslight,” “A Place in the Sun,” “Modern Times,” “Out of the Past,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “The Magnificent Seven,” among dozens of other classic movies.

For information and tickets, visit tcm.com/festival. The festival will be held at several theaters, including the TCL Chinese Theatre, Chinese 6 Multiplex and the Egyptian Theatre, near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.