Oscar-Winning Actress Diane Keaton Dies at 79
Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved stars, Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather series, and Something’s Gotta Give. She has died at the age of 79, according to People magazine.
A spokesperson for Keaton’s family confirmed her passing in California on Saturday, noting that the family has requested privacy as they grieve.
Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been made public.
Keaton’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades and redefined what it meant to be a leading lady in Hollywood.
Born on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles, Keaton began her acting journey on the stage before making her film debut in 1970. Her breakout role came in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972), where she played Kay Adams, the conflicted wife of Michael Corleone.
In 1977, she earned international acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Annie Hall, directed by Woody Allen.
The film, which also won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, cemented Keaton’s place in Hollywood history.
Throughout her career, Keaton showcased her versatility in a wide range of films, from romantic comedies like Something’s Gotta Give and The First Wives Club to emotional dramas such as Marvin’s Room and Reds.
Her later projects, including Book Club and Summer Camp (2024), reflected her enduring appeal and charm across generations.
Beyond acting, Keaton was admired for her distinctive fashion sense—often featuring tailored suits, wide-brimmed hats, and a fearless embrace of individuality.
Her style became a cultural signature, influencing both red-carpet trends and everyday fashion.
Keaton was also an accomplished photographer, producer, and author, with several books to her credit, exploring art, architecture, and self-expression.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Actress Bette Midler, Keaton’s co-star in The First Wives Club, described her as “brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary,” calling her passing “an unbearable loss.”
Other Hollywood figures have celebrated Keaton’s creativity, warmth, and authenticity, describing her as a “national treasure” whose influence will live on through her work and spirit.
Diane Keaton’s career was defined by courage on screen and off. Whether playing quirky romantics, strong-willed mothers, or introspective thinkers, she brought intelligence, vulnerability, and humor to every role.
Her unique voice, both literally and artistically, helped shape the modern image of the independent woman in cinema.Hamas Says Hostage Release to Begin Monday Morning Under US-Brokered Ceasefire Deal
A senior Hamas official has announced that the long-awaited release of dozens of hostages held by Palestinian militants in Gaza will begin on Monday morning, marking a significant step in the implementation of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Saturday, Osama Hamdan, a top Hamas representative, confirmed that the group would commence the release of **48 hostages mostly Israeli nationals—in line with the terms of the signed prisoner exchange deal.
“According to the signed agreement, the prisoner exchange is set to begin on Monday morning as agreed, and there are no new developments on this matter,” Hamdan said.
The planned exchange forms part of the first phase of a ceasefire arrangement mediated by the United States, aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas following months of devastating violence in Gaza
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel is expected to release about 2,000 Palestinian detainees from its prisons once the hostages are returned from Gaza.
The deal, which comes after weeks of intense diplomatic negotiations involving Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries, is seen as a breakthrough in efforts to establish a sustained truce and address mounting humanitarian concerns in the war-torn enclave.
Although details of the hostages’ identities have not been officially released, sources familiar with the negotiations told AFP that the group includes several civilians, dual nationals, and individuals captured during the early stages of the conflict.
The agreement reportedly includes provisions for a temporary cessation of hostilities, allowing for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and for medical evacuations of critically injured civilians.
International observers have cautiously welcomed the development.
The United Nations and the European Union described the exchange as a “positive step” toward rebuilding trust between the two sides, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington’s commitment to ensuring both parties adhere to the terms of the ceasefire.
However, analysts warn that the situation remains fragile, with previous truce efforts collapsing amid renewed violence and political disagreements.
The latest ceasefire framework follows months of deadly clashes that have left thousands dead and displaced millions across Gaza and southern Israel. The conflict, which reignited after the October 2024 escalation, has drawn international condemnation and urgent calls for peace.
If successfully implemented, Monday’s exchange could serve as a critical confidence-building measure and potentially pave the way for broader peace talks in the region.
