Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan Reunite at Oscars to Honor Rob Reiner

The late director's friends and collaborators paid tribute to his iconic films and advocacy.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:03am

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The Academy Awards paid special tribute to the late director Rob Reiner during the In Memoriam segment. Actor Billy Crystal, who starred in Reiner's beloved rom-com When Harry Met Sally, opened with an emotional speech about his friendship with Reiner. Crystal was then joined onstage by his former co-star Meg Ryan as well as more than a dozen actors who have appeared in Reiner's films, including Demi Moore, Mandy Patinkin, and Annette Bening.

Why it matters

Reiner was a prolific and acclaimed director whose films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men, have become beloved classics. His tribute at the Oscars highlighted his lasting impact on Hollywood and pop culture.

The details

Born in the Bronx in 1947, Reiner began his career in theater and television before making his directorial debut with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984. He went on to direct a string of enduring films, earning an Oscar nomination for producing A Few Good Men. Reiner co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, which produced TV shows like Seinfeld and movies like Miss Congeniality. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were tragically found stabbed to death at their home in 2025, and their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with their murders.

  • Rob Reiner was born in 1947 in the Bronx, New York.
  • Reiner made his directorial debut with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984.
  • Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death at their home in Brentwood, California on December 14, 2025.
  • Reiner's son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with their murders in February 2026.

The players

Rob Reiner

An acclaimed director known for films like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, and A Few Good Men. He co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment and was tragically murdered in 2025 along with his wife, Michele.

Billy Crystal

An actor who starred in Reiner's beloved rom-com When Harry Met Sally and delivered an emotional tribute to his friend at the Oscars.

Meg Ryan

An actress who co-starred with Crystal in When Harry Met Sally and joined him on stage at the Oscars to honor Reiner.

Nick Reiner

The son of Rob and Michele Reiner, who was arrested and charged with their murders in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“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. Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.”

— Billy Crystal

What’s next

The judge in Nick Reiner's murder case is expected to rule on his bail request in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Rob Reiner's legacy as a beloved and acclaimed filmmaker was celebrated at the Oscars, with his friends and collaborators honoring the enduring impact of his iconic movies and his advocacy for important causes like marriage equality.