At a Glance
- Emma Stone calls Diane Keaton her “North Star” and “ultimate hero” in a new tribute
- Keaton died at 79 on Oct. 11, 2025, from pneumonia
- Stone credits Keaton for teaching her the value of authentic self-expression
- Why it matters: The tribute offers a rare look at how one generation of actors influences the next
Emma Stone is honoring Diane Keaton’s legacy by sharing the life-changing advice she received from the late icon.
In W Magazine’s Best Performances Issue 2026, Stone remembers Keaton as the person who taught her that “the most valuable thing you can be is yourself, authentically.”
Stone’s Emotional Tribute
Stone, 37, admitted she was “getting choked up” while reflecting on Keaton, who passed away at age 79 on October 11, 2025.
“She will always be my North Star, ultimate hero, because she taught me about not wanting to emulate anyone else, including her,” Stone said.
The actress emphasized how Keaton’s example shaped her own approach to fame and creativity.
“She taught me how valuable it is to the world to realize who you are and what you can contribute,” Stone explained.
Beyond Acting: Keaton’s Many Talents
Stone praised Keaton’s multifaceted career, listing achievements that went far beyond her iconic film roles.
Keaton’s talents included:
- Directing
- Photography
- Curating coffee-table books
- Winemaking
“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,” Stone said.
The La La Land star noted that Keaton’s authenticity extended to every part of her life.
“Houses, fashion, everything about her was one-of-a-kind and completely Diane,” Stone recalled. “She’s the person who really made me realize that the most valuable thing you can be is yourself, authentically. She was the best ever.”
The Tragicomedy of Life
Stone also reflected on Keaton’s ability to balance humor and heartbreak in her work.
“She was just so alive,” Stone said.
The actress connected this vitality to Keaton’s understanding of life’s dual nature.
“I think life in general is very tragic and very funny at the same time,” Stone observed. “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.”
Stone praised Keaton’s gift for channeling this complexity.
“Anyone who can really channel that and bring it out the way that she did, it’s just a gift to us all,” she said.
A 2015 Conversation
The admiration between the two actresses was mutual. In 2015, Keaton interviewed Stone for Interview magazine.
During their conversation, Stone told Keaton, “I don’t feel any different from anyone. I am such a diehard fan – as you of all people should know.”
The two also discussed their shared taste in fashion and beauty.
“Our tastes are pretty similar,” Stone told Keaton. “Based on your book and what I’ve seen on your Pinterest board.”
Stone explained that authenticity attracted her more than conventional beauty standards.
“The more unique, the better,” she said. “When you feel that a person is being true to how they want to look or what their face is, I think there’s something about the acceptance of oneself that I can feel from people. That tends to be what I’m attracted to.”
Hollywood Reacts
Keaton’s death in October prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry.
Stars who honored her memory included:
- Sarah Paulson
- Goldie Hawn
- Chelsea Handler
The news was described as “unexpected” by multiple outlets.
Stone’s Lasting Takeaway
For Stone, Keaton’s greatest legacy lies in the permission she gave others to embrace their individuality.
“She taught me how valuable it is to the world to realize who you are and what you can contribute,” Stone reiterated.
This philosophy, Stone suggested, transcended Keaton’s professional achievements and defined her approach to life itself.
“Everything about her was one-of-a-kind and completely Diane,” Stone said, summing up the lesson she’ll carry forward: authenticity over emulation, always.
