The upcoming Academy Awards will honor the late filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner with a special tribute during the ceremony.
Oscars host Conan O’Brien revealed that the tribute will be included as part of the 98th Academy Awards broadcast, which takes place March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. While speaking with Extra during red carpet preparations, O’Brien shared that the moment remembering Reiner will be one of the most meaningful parts of the show.
“But it’s going to be a very powerful part of the show,” O’Brien said.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, passed away in December 2025 at their Los Angeles home. The couple had attended a holiday party hosted by O’Brien the night before.
Oscars ‘In Memoriam’ Segment Will Be Expanded
The tribute to Reiner will appear during the ceremony’s annual “In Memoriam” segment, which producers say will be longer this year, according to People.
Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan explained during a March 11 press conference that the expanded segment aims to properly honor the many influential figures the entertainment industry lost over the past year.
“I guess we can’t really go into detail of what it’s gonna be this year, but we really hope that it is a tribute that moves people and feels like it does the incredible people we’ve lost this year justice,” Mullan said.
Reiner leaves behind a legacy that spans decades in Hollywood. The filmmaker received an Academy Award nomination as a producer for “A Few Good Men” and directed Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning performance in “Misery.”
Authorities confirmed that the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, was arrested following the incident and later charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail while awaiting trial, per People.
Conan O’Brien Reflects on Loss and Hosting Again
GettyO’Brien is returning as Oscars host after leading the ceremony in 2025. Speaking about the opportunity, he said he was eager to return to the stage.
“I had a lot of fun, to be honest with you,” O’Brien told Extra. “It’s a really fun gig, and I had a lot of fun, and I just wanted to do it again.”
Earlier this month, O’Brien also reflected on the tragedy involving the Reiner family while discussing the difficult circumstances surrounding the loss. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he emphasized that any public attention surrounding his connection to the situation pales in comparison to the grief experienced by the family.
“Whatever difficulties my wife and I have experienced having our name attached to it are nothing compared to the scale of the tragedy for the family and the loss of Rob and Michele,” O’Brien said. “There is only sadness that they’re gone.”
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC and Hulu on March 15 beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
