"I lost a friend of almost 40 years": Director Nancy Meyers honors Diane Keaton in lengthy emotional tribute

Nancy Meyers is remembering her longtime muse and friend, Diane Keaton, the woman who helped define romantic comedies and inspired a generation of onscreen heroines.

The celebrated writer-director paid tribute to the Annie Hall star, who passed away on Saturday at 79, calling her a "brilliant actress" and "a giant" in a poignant Instagram post on Monday, Oct. 13. She wrote:

"These past 48 hours have not been easy. Seeing all of your tributes to Diane has been a comfort. As a movie lover, I’m with you all - we have lost a giant. A brilliant actress who time and again laid herself bare to tell our stories."

Nancy Meyers also described Diane Keaton as her sister, having been friends for decades.

"As a woman, I lost a friend of almost 40 years - at times over those years, she felt like a sister because we shared so many truly memorable experiences. As a filmmaker, I’ve lost a connection with an actress that one can only dream of."

The filmmaker added that the Something's Gotta Give actress made her a better filmmaker, and that she did the same for the actress.

"We all search for that someone who really gets us, right? Well, with Diane, I believe we mutually had that. I always felt she really got me so writing for her made me better because I felt so secure in her hands."

Nancy Meyers reveals the endearing routine Diane Keaton did before every take

Nancy Meyers continued, saying that Diane Keaton's brilliance wasn't just in her delivery or timing, but in her ability to make every moment, no matter how big or small, feel alive.

"I knew how vulnerable she could be. And I knew how hilarious she could be, not only with dialogue (which she said word for word as written but managed to always make it sound improvised) but she could be funny sitting at a dinner table or just walking into a room. But the truth is - Diane didn’t just 'get me.' I’ve watched all of her groundbreaking spectacular work with Woody Allen a million times and I watch her performance in Warren Beatty’s REDS with awe."

Nancy Meyers added:

"Diane did exactly the same for them because that is what she does. She goes deep. And I know those who have worked with her know what I know… she made everything better. Every set up, every day, in every movie, I watched her give it her all."

The Parent Trap director went on, revealing that Diane Keaton had a unique pre-scene trial: she would sometimes spin around in a playful little circle before a take, as if shaking off any tension or distraction so she could immerse herself fully into her role.

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Meyers concluded her heartfelt tribute:

"She was fearless, she was like nobody ever, she was born to be a movie star, her laugh could make your day and for me, knowing her and working with her - changed my life. Thank you Di. I’ll miss you forever."

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