Empowerment for women in front of and behind the camera was the theme of the night.
But ultimately, the night was all about Keaton and her numerous contributions and achievements.
Martin Short made light of Keatons remarkable body of work, saying, Dianes had an amazing career.
Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon thanks Keaton for teaching her to be herself
Mentors are essential at any early age.
They allow ambition and talent to bloom.
They allow wishes and dreams to flourish.
So Diane had Sandy Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse, and I had Diane Keaton.
A 15-year-old Witherspoon auditioned forWildflower, which Keaton directed,landing what became her second film ever.
The actress explained how Keaton taught her many things that have guided her throughout her career.
First of all, she gave me a natural sense of fashion.
I mean, just look at her, she knows how to put together a look.
She taught me everything about how to create a character with clothes.
And even though she loves a look and she puts together an enviable one every single day.
… Diane Keaton is a plot.
The woman is a story.
She was more concerned about what I was interested in.
I loved her for that.
So Im an unmarried woman that wouldve made me about a century ago, an old maid.
Now Im not an old maid, Im just a woman, I didnt get married.
So many things have changed in my lifetime for women, and theyve got to keep changing.
Sarah Silverman joked about Keatons love life and celebrated her unapologetic originality.
Diane Keaton, simply put, is undeniable, she said.
She lives a life that without asking for it or really without even needing it, commands respect.
Gasp, maybe; do a classic spit take, absolutely; but definitely not sneeze.
… She radiates authenticity and shes astonishingly singular.
Shes an unparalleled force, and not for nothing, she is a decades-long style icon.
She is so goddamn cool.
But as you saw in that scene fromFirst Wives Club, she absolutely owns the color white.
So tonight in her honor, Im wearing white.
Its not just the color of Donald Trumps cabinet, its a special white: suffragette white.
I just love how she can be really kooky and then so profound.
Allen also ribbed Keaton saying, Youre probably familiar with the fictional movie character,Eve Harrington.
Much of what Ive accomplished in my life I owe for sure to her.
Its just been too much, too great for me, and now I have this speech.
I mean give me a break, enough is enough, you know?
And I just want to say that this has been astonishing.
Tonight has been astonishing.
I feel bad too.
I mean, really, Im just not gonna.
The event will be broadcast on TNT on Thursday, June 15, at 10 p.m.
