Emma Stone Reflects on Diane Keaton’s Brilliance and the Important Lesson She Learned from Her

Emma Stone (left), Diane Keaton.
Credit:

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Charley Gallay/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Emma Stone has expressed her admiration for Diane Keaton throughout her career.
• While the two have crossed paths, they never worked on a project together.
• Stone remembered the late Keaton, who passed away in October 2025 at age 79, for her unique spirit.

Emma Stone reflects on the enduring lessons imparted by the late Diane Keaton. Stone, 37, shared her thoughts about Keaton in *W Magazine*’s Best Performances Issue 2026, revealing her deep emotional connection to the actress. Keaton died from pneumonia on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79.

“She will always be my North Star, ultimate hero, because she taught me about not wanting to emulate anyone else, including her,” Stone stated. “She taught me how valuable it is to the world to realize who you are and what you can contribute.”

Stone elaborated, “In so many facets, not just as the brilliant actor that she was, but as a director, photographer, curator of coffee table books, a person who made wines — she was just so herself. Everything about her was one-of-a-kind and completely Diane. She really made me realize that the most valuable thing you can be is yourself, authentically. She was the best ever.”

Emma Stone poses with a poster of Diane Keaton in 2017.

Christopher Polk/Getty

Stone described Keaton as “just so alive,” drawing insight from her dynamic presence. She noted, “I think life in general is very tragic and very funny at the same time. You’re holding both things, typically, in the state of the world, in relationships, all of it. It’s all kind of a tragic comedy. Anyone who can really channel that and bring it out the way that she did, it’s just a gift to us all.”

In a previous conversation in 2015, Keaton and Stone discussed the actress’s rising stardom during an interview. Their rapport highlighted Stone’s deep respect for Keaton’s impact on her career.

Diane Keaton.

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Following news of Keaton’s unexpected passing, a wave of tributes poured in from fellow celebrities, including Sarah Paulson, Goldie Hawn, and Chelsea Handler, all honoring the legacy of the *Annie Hall* star.