Diane Keaton rocks the red carpet in outrageous style

“It’s the wedding I never had and the retirement party I never wanted.” 

Those were the comments of Diane Keaton on being honoured with the AFI Life Achievement Award. The star studded event was held in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles today, Thursday US time.

Dressed in an oversized white coat and wide belt, with contrast laces on her boots plus her signature black hat, she looked truly happy to be enjoying the limelight. And so she should.

The 71-year old had earlier talked to Hollywood Reporter about some of her career highlights.

She admitted to only realizing of late how brilliant The Godfather was, and how her Shoot the Moon co-star Albert Finney scared the hell out of her.

Read more: Diane Keaton pashes male AND female talk show guests. 

But it was her revelations about starring with Mel Gibson in Mrs Soffel that has people talking.

“I was pushing 40, and he was in his 20s, but I remember how easy he was to work with,” Keaton said. “And how gorgeous. I had that kiss with him, and I was sitting in the car driving back to the hotel, and I remember trying to relive that kiss because it was really wonderful. Of course I had a crush on him, even though he already had, like, four kids …”

While she might not have got to recreate that scene with Mel, there were plenty of celebs who joined Diane to celebrate her achievement, including Andie McDowell, Reese Witherspoon, Candice Bergen, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Morgan Freeman, Richard Dreyfuss and many more.

Taking to the stage at one point Diane sang a version of Seems Like Old Times, from Annie Hall.

Even Woody Allen made a rare appearance at the Hollywood event. Speaking during the event he said he and Diane went way back. “From the minute I met her, she was a great, great inspiration to me. Much of what I have accomplished in my life I owe for sure to her.”

Which of her movies is your favourite?