Oscars to Feature Tribute to Late Director Rob Reiner

Conan O'Brien says the memorial will be a "very powerful part" of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:18pm

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The 98th Academy Awards will include a special tribute to the late director Rob Reiner, who was killed in December 2025 alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Oscars host Conan O'Brien described the tribute as a "very powerful part" of the ceremony, though he did not provide further details. Reiner's son Nick has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths and remains in custody awaiting trial.

Why it matters

Rob Reiner was a highly respected and acclaimed director, producer, and actor, known for films like "A Few Good Men" and "Misery." His death, along with that of his wife, was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry. The Oscars tribute will honor his legacy and significant contributions to cinema.

The details

Reiner and his wife were killed in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025. Their middle child, Nick Reiner, was arrested the following day and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including the use of a knife. Nick has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 29.

  • Rob and Michele Reiner were killed on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
  • Nick Reiner was arrested the day after his parents' deaths on Monday, December 15, 2025.
  • Nick Reiner's next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.

The players

Rob Reiner

A highly respected and acclaimed director, producer, and actor, known for films like "A Few Good Men" and "Misery." Reiner was killed in December 2025 alongside his wife.

Michele Singer Reiner

Rob Reiner's wife, who was killed alongside him in December 2025.

Nick Reiner

The Reiners' middle child, who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances in the deaths of his parents.

Conan O'Brien

The host of the 98th Academy Awards, who described the tribute to Rob Reiner as a "very powerful part" of the ceremony.

Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan

The producers of the 98th Academy Awards, who said the "in memoriam" segment will be longer than past ceremonies to acknowledge the legends lost in the past year.

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What they’re saying

“But it's going to be a very powerful part of the show.”

— Conan O'Brien, Oscars Host

“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.”

— Katy Mullan, Oscars Producer

What’s next

Nick Reiner's next court appearance is scheduled for April 29, where the judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The Oscars tribute to Rob Reiner will honor the legacy of a highly respected and acclaimed director, producer, and actor, whose tragic death alongside his wife has left a significant void in the entertainment industry.