Emma Stone Names Diane Keaton as the Untouchable Actress She Admires

Every actor has someone they look up to, a performer whose range and versatility seem nearly impossible to match. For Emma Stone, that comparison isn’t about trying to emulate an era-defining icon like Meryl Streep, the name most actors mention when discussing the pinnacle of talent. Instead, Stone has consistently pointed to someone else entirely.

Renowned for her seamless transitions between comedy and drama, Stone first gained recognition with films like ‘Superbad’ and ‘Easy A’ before amassing an impressive portfolio that includes ‘La La Land,’ ‘The Favourite,’ and ‘Poor Things.’ Throughout her career, she has often highlighted the actors who have influenced her craft, with one name standing out above all.

That actress is Diane Keaton, whom Stone identified back in 2009 as the performer whose career she would most want to emulate. In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes at the time, Stone stated, “She can do anything. Everyone references Meryl Streep and Meryl’s untouchable — but Diane’s really untouchable too,” showcasing her admiration for Keaton’s versatility.

Keaton’s extensive career provides ample reason for Stone’s admiration. She has effortlessly navigated between comedic and dramatic roles, from ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘Father of the Bride’ to more serious performances in ‘The Godfather,’ ‘Reds,’ and ‘Marvin’s Room.’ Her ability to excel in both genres is further highlighted by her work in ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ and ‘The First Wives Club,’ solidifying her status as a rare talent.

Keaton’s most acclaimed role remains her Oscar-winning performance in 1977’s ‘Annie Hall,’ a character crafted specifically for her. She embraced the character’s flaws, many of which she recognized in herself. This win was followed by three additional Best Actress nominations for ‘Reds,’ ‘Marvin’s Room,’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ underscoring her remarkable ability to traverse genres throughout her career.

Stone’s admiration for Keaton deepened as their careers continued to intersect from afar. Although they never collaborated on a film, they did connect for a joint cover feature in Interview Magazine in 2015, allowing Stone to engage with the actress she had long revered.

This admiration became particularly poignant following Keaton’s passing on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79 due to pneumonia. In an emotional conversation with W Magazine for its Best Performances Issue 2026, Stone reflected on the loss, describing Keaton as a pivotal influence on her understanding of authenticity in her work. “She will always be my North Star, ultimate hero, because she taught me about not wanting to emulate anyone else, including her. She taught me how valuable it is to the world to realize who you are and what you can contribute,” Stone shared.

Stone elaborated on how Keaton’s influence extended beyond acting, highlighting her work as a director, photographer, and her ventures into winemaking and curating coffee table books. According to Stone, Keaton’s fearless individuality, rather than any single performance, is what made her example so invaluable.

Keaton’s death prompted tributes from across Hollywood, and her legacy was honored during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, where fellow actress Rachel McAdams spoke about her lasting impact on generations of performers. For Stone, this influence runs deeper than mere admiration, shaping her approach to authenticity and originality in her career choices.

Nearly two decades after first naming Keaton as her ultimate inspiration, Stone’s reflections reveal that her admiration has never waned, even as her own career has grown to rival the stature of the actress she once deemed untouchable.

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