AceShowbiz - At the 98th Academy Awards held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Rachel McAdams took a heartfelt moment to honor the late Diane Keaton, her former co-star and close friend. The tribute came after Keaton’s passing in October 2025 due to bacterial pneumonia at the age of 79.

Speaking from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, McAdams, 47, praised Keaton’s remarkable career and multifaceted life. “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,” she said during the Oscars broadcast. “She wore so many hats – literally and figuratively – actress, artist, author, activist, but no hat more important to her than being mother to her two children.”

Diane Keaton is survived by her two children, Dexter and Duke, whom she adopted later in life during her 50s. Her legacy was celebrated not only for her contributions to film but also for her enduring personal warmth and impact on those around her.

McAdams reminisced about the memorable moments they shared on set during their 2005 film The Family Stone, where they portrayed mother and daughter. She recalled an endearing memory of Keaton singing a classic Girl Scout song: “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.” Notably, McAdams appeared to alter the lyrics slightly during her speech, adding a personal touch to the tribute.

The Mean Girls actress concluded her tribute by saying, “To our friend, Diane Keaton, celebrating a life in silver and gold, a legend with no end.” Her words resonated deeply, marking a poignant moment in the evening dedicated to honoring cinematic legends.

Earlier in 2026, McAdams had already acknowledged Keaton during her own Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in January. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from “legendary working actors” including Keaton, who she described as having taken her under her wing “like I was her own daughter.”

During that ceremony, McAdams shared valuable lessons she learned from Keaton, emphasizing the importance of dedication in acting: “She taught me that no matter how long you've been doing this, you have to leave everything you've got on the table.”

Reflecting further on their bond in a post-Oscars interview with Variety, McAdams opened up about the self-doubt she experiences in her career. She revealed that Keaton once told her during filming that she still felt acting was a challenge, despite her effortless performances. “I was so surprised by that because she's so effortless and she gives so much to it,” said McAdams. “But I still don't feel like I have the art of acting figured out.”

The 2026 Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien, featured many notable moments and celebrated outstanding achievements in film. However, McAdams’ tribute to Keaton stood out as a deeply emotional highlight, honoring a woman whose impact on her peers and audiences alike was truly profound.

As the evening unfolded at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, the film community came together to celebrate creativity, artistry, and the enduring legacies of icons like Diane Keaton, whose life and career continue to inspire generations.