Conan O'Brien Teases Powerful Rob Reiner Tribute at 2026 Oscars

The comedian says the segment honoring the late filmmaker will be a significant and emotional part of the ceremony.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:30pm

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Conan O'Brien has confirmed that the 2026 Oscars will feature a powerful tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner during an extended 'In Memoriam' segment. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, died in December last year. Producers say the segment aims to honor several influential figures lost in the past year. O'Brien said the tribute would be a significant and emotional part of the show, though he declined to reveal details.

Why it matters

Rob Reiner was a widely respected filmmaker, actor, and producer in Hollywood, known for directing acclaimed films across multiple genres. His death, along with that of his wife, was a significant loss for the entertainment industry, making the planned Oscars tribute an important way to honor his legacy.

The details

According to the report, Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan said the traditional 'In Memoriam' segment would be extended this year to recognize several notable figures from the entertainment industry who died over the past year. O'Brien, who is hosting the Oscars for the second time, said the tribute would be 'a very powerful part of the show' but declined to provide further details.

  • The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on March 15, 2026.
  • Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, died in December 2025.

The players

Conan O'Brien

A comedian who is hosting the 98th Academy Awards for the second time.

Rob Reiner

A widely respected filmmaker, actor, and producer in Hollywood, known for directing acclaimed films across multiple genres.

Michele Singer Reiner

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

Raj Kapoor

An Oscars producer.

Katy Mullan

An Oscars producer.

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What they’re saying

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

— Conan O'Brien (People)

“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 (People)

The takeaway

The planned tribute to Rob Reiner at the 2026 Oscars highlights the significant impact the late filmmaker had on the entertainment industry, and the ceremony's efforts to honor the influential figures the industry has lost in the past year.