At the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, 2026, the annual In Memoriam segment featured a special tribute to acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner. The tribute was led by his longtime friend and frequent collaborator, comedian and actor Billy Crystal.
Crystal, who starred in Reiner's films such as 'When Harry Met Sally...' and 'The Princess Bride', delivered emotional remarks honoring Reiner's life and career. He was joined on stage by several of Reiner's other collaborators and friends, including Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, Demi Moore, and Jerry O'Connell.
The segment celebrated Reiner's prolific work in Hollywood, which spanned decades and included directing classics like 'Stand by Me', 'A Few Good Men', and 'This Is Spinal Tap'. Reiner passed away in February 2026 at the age of 79, as confirmed by multiple news outlets following statements from his family.
The Oscars ceremony, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, dedicated the moment to remembering Reiner's significant contributions to the film industry, with Crystal concluding the tribute by reflecting on their shared history, stating, 'What fun we had.'
