Oscars 2026: Academy pays an emotional tribute to Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert Redford

Oscars 2026: Academy pays an emotional tribute to Rob Reiner, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert Redford

• Oscars In Memoriam honored Duvall, Keaton, and Redford
• Barbra Streisand sang The Way We Were in tribute to Redford
• Audience gave a standing ovation during the emotional segment

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The 98th Academy Awards paused for a deeply emotional moment during its traditional In Memoriam segment, honouring some of the most influential figures from the world of cinema and entertainment who passed away over the past year. The tribute reminded audiences of the artists whose work helped shape generations of filmmaking and storytelling.

Among the legendary names remembered was Robert Duvall, an actor admired for his extraordinary range and commanding screen presence. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Duvall delivered unforgettable performances in landmark films such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. His ability to portray layered, complex characters earned him widespread respect in Hollywood and numerous accolades throughout his career.

Barbra Streisand had me in tears with this tribute to Robert Redford I lost it when she started to sing 😭👏🏽 #AcademyAwards#Oscars#Oscars2026pic.twitter.com/GlTcOXFr5p

— Giselle//💥⏳ 💍💫 (@giselleb1234) March 16, 2026

The segment also honoured the highly decorated Diane Keaton, whose distinctive charm and powerful performances made her one of the defining actors of American cinema. Keaton won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1977 for her iconic role in the romantic comedy Annie Hall. Over the years, she became known for balancing comedic brilliance with emotional depth in a wide variety of roles.

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Another towering figure remembered during the tribute was Robert Redford, whose decades-long career as both an actor and filmmaker left a lasting mark on the industry. Known for standout performances in films such as All the President’s Men and Three Days of the Condor, Redford also helped shape independent filmmaking through the Sundance Institute and Sundance Film Festival, creating opportunities for new voices in cinema.

The tribute to Redford became one of the evening’s most moving moments when singer and actor Barbra Streisand took the stage. Reflecting on the death of her co-star, Streisand spoke about their iconic film The Way We Were and the political atmosphere surrounding its story. Drawing a parallel between the post-war period portrayed in the film and the present day, she noted that it was a time when people were “informing on one another and subject to loyalty oaths.”

After her brief reflection, Streisand made a rare singing appearance on the Oscars stage. She took the microphone and performed the title track from The Way We Were, the beloved theme from the romantic drama that starred her opposite Redford. The song, which captures the emotional journey of two lovers separated by political differences, filled the auditorium with nostalgia and emotion.

As images of Redford appeared on the screen during her performance, the audience responded with a heartfelt standing ovation.

The In Memoriam segment closed with applause echoing across the theatre, reminding viewers that while great artists eventually leave the stage, the stories they create continue to resonate with audiences for generations.