Rob Reiner receives heartfelt tribute at 2026 Academy Awards

Rob Reiner’s gruesome death shocked the Hollywood industry after he passed away on December 14th, and now the late director has been honoured at the 2026 Academy Awards.

The director’s cast members and actors who worked alongside him took the stage to give a moving rundown of his most notable works.

Among the actors who took the stage at the Dolby Theatre were Michael McKean, Wil Wheaton, Fred Savage, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane, Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollak, Kathy Bates, along with others.

Reiner’s longtime friend and collaborator Crystal gave a speech, saying "My friends, 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.”

The 78-year-old also honoured his wife, Michele, who passed alongside him stating, "They were unstoppable. A gifted photographer, she not only produced films with Rob, but it was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved.”

Crystal called their loss immeasurable and spoke to all those who have enjoyed his films over the years, telling them that it would have meant everything to the late When Harry Met Sally director to leave an impact.

Notably, both the Reiners’ were killed in their Los Angeles home by their middle child Nick, who has been arrested and faces two counts of first-degree murder.

RELATED: Rob and Michele Reiner killed, son accused after years of turmoil: Report