Rachel McAdams shared a touching tribute to actresses who passed away this year during the 2026 Academy Awards. Her tearful speech was largely dedicated to beloved stars Catherine O’Hara and Diane Keaton.
In addition to O’Hara and Keaton, the “Mean Girls” actress acknowledged Diane Ladd’s “fierce humanity and wit,” and Italian actress Claudia Cardinale.
Rachel McAdams’ Tearful Oscar Tribute
McAdams left many was tears during her emotional speech.
“This past year, we lost so many artists, including actresses whose talent and originality widened the world for all of us,” McAdams began during her Sunday, March 15, tribute.
Of Keaton, McAdams said, “For over 50 years, luminous on screen and indelible in life, believe me when I say, there is not an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity.”
“Actress, artist, author, activist, but no hat more important to her than being mother to her two children,” she continued. “She meant so much to so many of us. I remember she used to sing this old Girl Scout song on set, which is just so her…and so, to our friend. Celebrating a life in silver and gold, a legend with no end.”
Remembering Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara
The “Annie Hall” actress sadly passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79.
Shortly after her death, her family released a statement thanking fans for their support.
“The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the statement began. “She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Remembering Catherine O’Hara
The “Schitt’s Creek” actress sadly passed away on January 30 at the age of 71, her agency confirmed at the time.
In February, TMZ confirmed via the L.A. County Department of Public Health that O’Hara’s cause of death was listed as pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause.
According to the outlet, O’Hara was cremated, “and her remains were given to her husband, Robert “Bo” Welch.”
“Comedic genius and scene-stealer, our mighty wind, and my fellow Canadian, Catherine O’Hara,” the “Family Stone” actress said during the 98th Academy Awards.
