Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand Lead Expanded and Emotional "In Memoriam" at 98th Oscars

Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand lead a poignant and expanded In Memoriam segment at the 98th Academy Awards, honoring Hollywood icons Rob Reiner and Robert Redford.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 9:33 AM EDT

Source: AP News

A Tribute to the "Master Storyteller" Rob Reiner

Billy Crystal opened the segment with a deeply personal eulogy for his longtime best friend, Rob Reiner. Crystal recounted their first meeting on the set of All in the Family in 1975, which blossomed into a lifelong friendship and professional partnership. He celebrated Reiner’s evolution from a comedic actor to the director behind such classics as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men.

The tribute was underscored by the tragic circumstances of Reiner’s passing. In December 2025, Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, were found murdered in their Los Angeles home; their son, Nick Reiner, has since been charged. To honor the late director, over a dozen stars from his most famous films—including Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, and John Cusack—joined Crystal on stage in a rare display of ensemble solidarity.

Streisand Returns to the Stage for Robert Redford

In a rare public appearance, Barbra Streisand, 83, emerged from retirement to honor her The Way We Were co-star, Robert Redford, who passed away in September 2025 at age 89. Streisand, who famously battles stage fright, described Redford as an "intellectual cowboy" and praised his contributions to the arts through the founding of the Sundance Institute and his environmental advocacy.

The emotional peak of the segment occurred when Streisand performed a snippet of their iconic theme song, "The Way We Were." Backed by a swell from the Oscar orchestra and a giant screen displaying Redford’s image, her performance earned a standing ovation from the star-studded audience. The tribute also acknowledged lyricist Alan Bergman, who co-wrote the song and passed away earlier in the year.