The 98th Oscars in Los Angeles have paid tribute to one of Hollywood’s best-loved and most singular stars, Diane Keaton, who died in October, aged 79.
Rachel McAdams, who played Keaton’s daughter in 2005’s The Family Stone, took to stage to remember to a woman who “wore so many hats, literally and figuratively”, calling her “a legend with no end”.
“For over 50 years, luminous on screen and indelible in life, believe me when I say there isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity,” said McAdams.
“She wore so many hats, literally and figuratively – actress, artist, author, activist – but no hat more important to her than being a mother to her two children. She meant so much to so many of us.”
McAdams concluded: “I remember she used to sing this old Girl Scout song on set, which is just so her: ‘Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other is gold. A circle is round, it has no end. That’s how long I’ll be your friend.’ And so to our friend Diane Keaton, celebrating a life in silver and gold, a legend with no end.”
Keaton’s death came as a shock to many in the industry. The actor had not been in the public eye for some months, but no illness had been announced.
She won a leading actress Oscar for Woody Allen’s 1977 film Annie Hall, inspired by Keaton’s own life, as well as starring in films including the Godfather trilogy, Reds, Father of the Bride, Manhattan, Baby Boom, The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give.
She is survived by her two children, Duke and Dexter.
