Hollywood’s biggest stars came out to celebrate Diane Keaton at the Dolby Theatre as she became the 45th recipient of the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, America’s highest honor for a career in film. The event which took place on June 8th honored Keaton as the ninth woman to receive the award. The award recognizes anyone “whose talent has in a fundamental way advanced the film art; whose accomplishment has been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.”
The packed house of A-listers included seven previous AFI Life Achievement Award honorees as performers and presenters for the historic event including Warren Beatty, Jane Fonda, Morgan Freeman, Steve Martin, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Sidney Poitier. Additional presenters who paid tribute to Keaton included Lisa Kudrow, Rachel McAdams, Martin Short, Sarah Silverman, Emma Stone, Reese Witherspoon, and surprise guest Woody Allen.
Keaton, 70, has been nominated for four best actress Academy Awards, winning the Oscar for 1977’s “Annie Hall,” one of a series of movies she starred in for Woody Allen, and starred opposite Al Pacino as Kay Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Godfather” movies. Her film credits also include dramatic performances in “Reds” and “Marvin’s Room,” as well as comic turns in “Father of the Bride,” “The First Wives Club,” and “Something’s Gotta Give.” Known for her sense of style as well as her forays into photography and art, Keaton also has directed such features as “Unstrung Heroes” and “Hanging Up.”
Building upon the evening’s theme of celebrating female artistry, AFI President Bob Gazzale announced Natalie Camou as the first member of the inaugural Audi Fellowship Program, which supports the entire two-year AFI Conservatory enrollment for one promising female director. Audi, a supporter of the motion picture arts and of AFI for over 14 years, is investing in the future of the film community by expanding opportunities for female storytellers. Camou received the first-ever fellowship and will begin her journey as a directing fellow at the AFI Conservatory in August 2017.
Proceeds from the gala event support the institute’s national education programs and the preservation of American film heritage. TNT will air the taped one-hour AFI Life Achievement Award tribute at 10 PM ET/PT on June 15th, followed by an encore presentation on sister network Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on July 31st during a night of programming dedicated to her career.
Photo Credit: Michael Kovac / Getty Images for AFI
