Rob Reiner received a heartfelt tribute at the 2026 Oscars during the In Memoriam section that was led by his friend and collaborator Billy Crystal. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood home on Dec. 14. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later reported they died from “multiple sharp force injuries.” Their son, Nick, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
“I met Mr. Rob Reiner when I was cast as his best friend in an episode of ‘All in the Family’ and it went so well that Rob said, ‘It was fun playing your best friend. Why don’t we keep it going?’ And it was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller,” Crystal began.
Crystal then went through a rundown of Reiner’s filmography, from “This Is Spinal Tap” to “The Sure Thing,” “The Princess Bride,” “Stand By Me,” “Misery” and more. The actor added: “My friend Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes 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… to the millions who have enjoyed his films all these years, I want you to know here and around the world, how many times Rob told me that it meant everything to him that his work meant something to you. And for us who had the privilege of working with and knowing him and loving him, all we can say is, buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”
When Crystal was finished with his remarks, the Oscars stage unveiled a group of actors standing behind him, all of whom starred in Reiner’s films. Crystal was joined by his “When Harry Met Sally” co-star Meg Ryan, plus Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore, Jerry O’Connell, Annette Benning, Mandy Patinkin, Fred Savage, Cary Elwes and more.
Variety exclusively reported before the Oscars that Reiner’s “When Harry Met Sally” stars Crystal and Ryan would reunite during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment to pay tribute to Reiner while standing on stage alongside other stars from the late director’s movies. One of Reiner’s collaborators who was not present was “Stand By Me” star Corey Feldman, who spoke out on X before the ceremony.
“Yes, it’s true that I was not invited,” Feldman wrote. “I understand many believe it’s due to being outspoken about the abuse I suffered as a child and the campaign to silence me. However, this isn’t about me. It’s not my moment at all. It’s about the tragic loss of our friend Rob Reiner and his memory. As much I appreciate all support, it’s very sweet of you… but please stop. Please take down any petitions to push for my presence at the awards. They don’t need me there. Will and Jerry got this I’m sure. They will do a fantastic job… I’ll honor Rob my own way.”
Reiner’s death has loomed large over awards season this year. He received an emotional tribute at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards in January, which took place less than a month after his passing. Chelsea Handler was the host of the awards ceremony and finished her opening monologue by sharing heartfelt words about the late director.
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“Everyone in this room knows that the nicest guy in Hollywood was Rob Reiner,” Handler said. “Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute you met him, he felt like an old friend when you were in a conversation with him. He was present, he was focused, and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions, whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends. He was all in after I sent him a text thanking him for dinner a few months ago. He texted me back and said, ‘We had so much fun with you last night. Thanks for explaining so much about plastic surgery. It was very edifying.’”
“Rob and Michele were tireless in their efforts to so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea: Decency, and that we should all look out for each other,” Handler continued. “I think we can all agree that we definitely need more of that. So let’s use tonight as a reminder of that decency and as a reminder of everything Rob and Michele represented and fought so hard for.”
Reiner’s son Nick pleaded not guilty on Feb. 23. He is facing two counts of murder with an enhancement that could carry the death penalty or life without parole if he is convicted.
From Variety US