The 2026 Oscars featured a powerful In Memoriam segment, honoring many beloved figures lost in the last year. Billy Crystal opened this emotional tribute with heartfelt words for the late director Rob Reiner, who was tragically murdered in December 2025, alongside his wife Michele. Their son Nick has been charged with the crime and has pleaded not guilty.
Crystal described Reiner’s impact, saying, “His films will last a lifetime, filled with laughter, kindness, and humanity.” He expressed how deeply Reiner valued the connection his work created with audiences.
On stage, Crystal was joined by stars like Meg Ryan, Mandy Patinkin, and Kathy Bates, all of whom had worked with Reiner. A slideshow showed other icons, like Robert Redford and Val Kilmer, who had also passed away.
Rachel McAdams followed with tributes to Catherine O’Hara and Diane Keaton, both legends in their own right. O’Hara died in January 2026, while Keaton’s passing had occurred a few months earlier. McAdams remembered O’Hara as someone who brought joy and laughter, saying, “She made us laugh until we cried.” She paid tribute to Keaton’s extensive and influential career, highlighting films like Annie Hall and The Godfather.
The segment closed with a surprise visit from Barbra Streisand, who honored Robert Redford. She celebrated his talent and activism, referring to him as a “brilliant, subtle actor.” Streisand performed the title song from The Way We Were, a film that remains a classic love story.
This year’s In Memoriam segment drew significant online attention. Social media was filled with reactions, with many viewers expressing their deep feelings about the losses. Tweets ranged from “This is so sad. I’m a mess” to “In memoriam this year is doing irreparable psychic damage to me.” The segment indeed struck a chord, showing the profound impact these figures had on the industry and audiences alike.
Before the ceremony, showrunner Raj Kapoor explained the careful planning behind the segment. He noted the importance of every detail, saying, “It’s a chance for people to say goodbye. We don’t take it lightly.” This attention to emotion and connection is what made the In Memoriam segment memorable in a year filled with notable losses.
For insights from film experts, a recent Variety article mentions the challenges faced in crafting such tributes, emphasizing the emotional weight they carry for both the audience and the industry as a whole. You can read more about it here.
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Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner, Michele Singer Reiner, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Catherine O’Hara, When Harry Met Sally, Robert Duvall, Diane Ladd, Kiefer Sutherland, Meg Ryan, Mandy Patinkin, Barbra Streisand
