Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her distinctive charm, wit, and style, has died at the age of 79.

According to the New York Times, her death was confirmed by Dori Rath, who produced several of Ms Keaton’s most recent films.

Ms Keaton’s career spanned more than five decades, marked by memorable performances in both comedy and drama.

Broadway was her first film to bring her into the spotlight. She made her screen debut in Lovers and Other Strangers (1970); however, it was her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972) that shot her to stardom.

Her striking moment, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, came in 1977 with Annie Hall, a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen.

In the following years, Ms Keaton received further Oscar nominations for Reds (1981), Marvin’s Room (1996), and Something’s Gotta Give (2003).

She also starred in crowd favourites such as Father of the Bride, Baby Boom, and The First Wives Club, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses.

Born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, she adopted her mother’s maiden name, Keaton, as her stage name early in her career.

Beyond acting, she directed and produced films, and was also a passionate photographer and architectural preservationist.

Ms Keaton became a mother through adoption, raising two children as she was never married.

Summer Camp (2024), her last film, with Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard, birthed a heartwarming story about friendship and renewal.

Tributes have poured in from across the film industry on social media.

Goldie Hawn, her First Wives Club co-star, said, “You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. How do we say goodbye? There was, and will be, no one like you.”

Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley said, “You are one of a kind, and it was thrilling to be in your orbit for a time.”

With her trademark wide hats and distinct laughter, Ms Keaton left behind a legacy that transcends fashion and film.