Billy Crystal honors Rob Reiner and Michele Singer at 2026 Academy Awards

Billy Crystal opened the In Memoriam segment at the 2026 Academy Awards with a tribute to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer, mentioning several of Reiner's well-known films and reflecting on their emotional reach.

Billy Crystal delivered the opening In Memoriam tribute during the 2026 Academy Awards. He honored filmmaker Rob Reiner and casting director Michele Singer. Crystal reflected on a number of Reiner's well-known films and their emotional reach. The tribute served as the kick-off for the ceremony's In Memoriam section, which honors industry figures who died in the past year. Key details: - The tribute opened the In Memoriam portion of the evening ceremony. - Crystal spoke about several of Rob Reiner's films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, Misery, The American President, The Sure Thing and When Harry Met Sally. - He said Reiner's movies would endure because they show what makes people laugh and cry and what they aspire to be, describing them as kinder, funnier and more human in their outlook. - The segment also acknowledged Michele Singer among those being remembered. Summary: The tribute set the tone for the In Memoriam segment by highlighting Reiner's body of work and noting Singer's inclusion among those remembered. Undetermined at this time.