Sarah Paulson honors late Friend Diane Keaton during emotional In Memoriam at 2026 Actor Awards

Sarah Paulson delivered an emotional tribute at the 2026 Actor Awards as she introduced the ceremony’s annual In Memoriam segment, honoring members of the entertainment community who died over the past year.

The event, held March 1 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, brought together some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Paulson, 51, described actors as “a family of souls bonded by a challenging pursuit,” emphasising the deep connections formed through shared creative work.

She spoke of the “true giants” lost in the past year — teachers, collaborators, inspirations and friends — and reflected on how their presence had enriched the lives of those who worked alongside them.

Among those remembered was Paulson’s longtime friend, Diane Keaton, who died on October 11 at age 79 due to bacterial pneumonia.

The two first worked together on the 1999 film The Other Sister, where Keaton played Paulson’s onscreen mother, beginning a friendship that lasted decades. Paulson has previously described Keaton as even more remarkable in real life than on screen.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Catherine O'Hara, James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane. O’Hara received a posthumous award for her performance in The Studio, accepted by creator Seth Rogen, who praised her generosity and talent.

Van Der Beek and Dane were also remembered for their lasting impact on television and film.

The 32nd annual Actor Awards aired live on Netflix, offering viewers a poignant reminder of the artists whose legacies continue to shape the industry.