The 2026 Academy Awards featured one of the most emotional In Memoriam segments in Oscar history, paying tribute to numerous legendary figures in Hollywood who passed away over the past year.
The segment was especially moving, with a special tribute to Rob Reiner, the beloved filmmaker and actor, whose tragic death shocked the entertainment world in December 2025.
A Tribute to Rob Reiner
Opening the tribute, Billy Crystal paid a heartfelt homage to his dear friend, Rob Reiner, who was tragically found murdered along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in their Los Angeles home.
Their son, Nick, has been charged with the murders and pleaded not guilty. Crystal, known for his close friendship with Reiner, shared a poignant message, remembering Reiner’s incredible body of work and the way he touched the lives of so many.
“My friend Rob Reiner’s films will last for a lifetime, because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be: far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier, and far more human,” Crystal said. He added, “What fun we had storming the castle,” referencing their iconic film The Princess Bride.
Joining Crystal on stage were several other stars from Reiner’s films, including Meg Ryan (his co-star in When Harry Met Sally), Mandy Patinkin, Kiefer Sutherland, Michael McKean, Kathy Bates, and many others.
A total of 17 stars gathered to honor Reiner, with some appearing in his most famous films, such as This is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, and The Princess Bride.
A Tribute to Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara
Following the emotional tribute to Reiner, Rachel McAdams took the stage to honor Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, both of whom passed away in 2025. Keaton, known for her roles in Annie Hall, The Godfather, and Reds, was remembered by McAdams for her incredible influence on the acting world.
“For over 50 years, luminous on-screen and indelible in life, believe me when I say there isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity,” McAdams said, speaking of Keaton’s lasting impact.
“She wore so many hats—actress, artist, author, activist—but no hat more important to her than being mother to her two children.”
McAdams also honored Catherine O’Hara, the beloved Beetlejuice and Home Alone star, who made us laugh for decades. McAdams shared that O’Hara “made us laugh until we cried,” a fitting tribute to the Canadian actress’ remarkable career.
Barbra Streisand Honors Robert Redford
As the segment came to a close, Barbra Streisand made a surprise appearance to honor her late co-star, Robert Redford, who passed away in September 2025. Streisand and Redford famously starred together in The Way We Were, a film that remains one of the most iconic love stories in cinematic history.
Streisand spoke warmly of Redford’s dedication to acting and his contributions to film, saying, “He was a brilliant, subtle actor, and we had a wonderful time playing off each other because we never quite knew what the other one was going to do in the scene.”
She also praised Redford’s contributions to social causes, saying, “Bob had real backbone on and off the screen. He spoke up to defend freedom of the press, protect the environment, and encouraged new voices at his Sundance Institute.”
Streisand closed her tribute with a heartwarming performance of The Way We Were, which brought many in the audience to tears.
A Powerful Moment for Viewers
The In Memoriam segment, which included many other significant figures such as Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, and Diane Ladd, was described as one of the most moving and extensive in the history of the Oscars.
The 25-minute segment led to an outpouring of emotion online, with viewers expressing how hard it was to process the loss of so many legends in a single year. One viewer shared, “This has to be one of the longest ‘In Memoriam’ segments in #Oscars history. And rightfully so,” while others wrote about how emotionally overwhelming the tribute was.
Behind the Scenes of the In Memoriam
Speaking to Variety ahead of the Oscars, Raj Kapoor, the showrunner, shared the complexity of crafting such an emotional segment. “It’s everything from graphic design to titles to placement, because it all matters,” Kapoor explained. “We don’t take it lightly. It’s a chance for people to say goodbye and a memory to cherish.”
The 2026 Oscars provided a powerful and moving tribute to Hollywood’s brightest stars, honoring them with dignity and respect.
The In Memoriam segment not only highlighted the unforgettable contributions of those lost, but it also left viewers with a lasting reminder of how these artists shaped the world of film. Their legacies will continue to inspire generations to come.
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