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Diane Keaton’s career was marked by numerous hit movies, particularly in the romantic comedy genre, which made her a household name. Though some of her films were lesser-known to the author, two roles, in particular, stand out as defining moments that cemented her national and cultural symbolism.
The first is her acclaimed portrayal in Annie Hall, where she embodies a character based on her real-life relationship with Woody Allen. Keaton's performance earned her an Oscar and carved an indelible image of the American girl—vulnerable, feminine, quirky, and fiercely independent. Woody Allen famously remarked that she was “the all-American girl,” a reflection of her ability to capture the essence of American femininity—tender yet uniquely herself.