Diane Keaton has always stood out as a truly multi-faceted talent in Hollywood—actress, director, and producer all wrapped into one. Early on, Diane Keaton became a household name not just for her on-screen brilliance but also for her real-life connection with filmmaker Woody Allen. It was her iconic role in Annie Hall (1977) that really put her on the map, earning Diane Keaton an Academy Award for Best Actress and cementing her status as a cinematic force. Before that celebrated moment, though, she had already made waves playing Kay Corleone, the emotionally complex wife of Michael Corleone in both The Godfather (1972) and its equally powerful sequel, The Godfather, Part II (1974).
Then came 1977 again, this time with Diane Keaton delivering a daring performance as a troubled schoolteacher in Looking for Mr. Goodbar, proving she could tackle intense drama with fearless depth. Her collaboration with Woody Allen continued in Manhattan (1979), further solidifying their creative chemistry. But Diane Keaton wasn’t just tied to one genre or collaborator—she earned another Oscar nomination for her moving turn in Warren Beatty’s Reds (1981), and later impressed critics in Crimes of the Heart (1986), showcasing her range once more.
Venturing behind the camera, Diane Keaton made her directorial debut with the documentary Heaven (1987), stepping into a new creative role with quiet confidence. She then transitioned to television with the short-lived but notable CBS special The Girl with the Crazy Brother (1990). Around the same time, audiences saw her charm opposite Steve Martin in the beloved comedy Father of the Bride (1989), a role she’d reprise later to great fanfare. Diane Keaton also returned to her roots by reprising Kay Corleone in The Godfather, Part III (1990), bringing closure to one of cinema’s most enduring family sagas. Her final on-screen pairing with Woody Allen came in Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), a fitting capstone to a memorable artistic partnership.
As the years went on, Diane Keaton kept evolving. She struck box-office gold with the empowering ensemble film The First Wives Club (1996), which resonated with audiences and became a cultural touchstone. Though her directorial effort Hanging Up (2000) didn’t fare as well commercially, Diane Keaton bounced back triumphantly with Something’s Gotta Give (2003), starring alongside Jack Nicholson in a romantic comedy that earned both acclaim and affection. By the time she appeared in Morning Glory (2010) and The Big Wedding (2013), Diane Keaton had become synonymous with intelligent, stylish, and emotionally rich portrayals—often of women who defy convention.
Throughout her career, Diane Keaton hasn’t just acted—she’s influenced. From fashion and photography to interior design and television, her impact stretches far beyond the screen. Always distinctive, always authentic, Diane Keaton remains a true original in every sense.
When it comes to Diane Keaton’s filmography, fans and critics often point to Lovers and Other Strangers (1970) as her highest rated movie. It really marked a turning point in Diane Keaton’s career, showcasing her talent early on. Over the years, Diane Keaton has delivered countless memorable performances, but that particular film remains a standout in terms of critical acclaim. On the other end of the spectrum, Look Who’s Talking Now (1993) tends to be viewed as her lowest rated film. While it had its audience appeal at the time, it didn’t resonate well with reviewers. Still, even in less successful projects, Diane Keaton brought her signature charm. Overall, Diane Keaton’s range as an actress is evident when comparing these two films from different eras of her long and impressive career.