One of the most moving moments of the Academy Awards came during the In Memoriam segment, when the film industry paid tribute to stars and figures who passed away over the past year.
The segment opened with a heartfelt tribute to director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, who died on December 14, 2025, in a shocking crime carried out by their son Nick Reiner.
On the screens at the Dolby Theatre, scenes from some of Reiner’s most beloved films were shown, including “The Princess Bride,” “A Few Good Men,” and “When Harry Met Sally,” among others.
Several actors who worked with Reiner throughout his career also took the stage to honor his legacy. Demi Moore, Meg Ryan, Kathy Bates, and John Cusack joined the tribute, while Billy Crystal reflected on the couple’s legacy both professionally and personally.
© AFP via Getty Images“I met Mr. Rob Reiner when I was cast to play his best friend in an episode of ‘All in the Family,’” Crystal said. “It went so well that Rob said to me, ‘It was fun playing your best friend. Why don’t we just keep doing that?’”
Crystal continued by praising Reiner’s remarkable career. “It was extraordinary to watch him evolve from a brilliant comedic actor into a master storyteller,” he said, revisiting the director’s filmography.
“The films of my friend Rob will live on forever because they were about what makes us laugh and cry, and about what we aspire to be: better, kinder, funnier, and more human.”
“To the millions of people who have enjoyed his films over the years, I want you to know how much it meant to Rob that his work meant something to you. And for those of us lucky enough to work with him, know him, and love him, we can only say: my friend, what a wonderful time we had storming the castle.”
Beyond the tribute to the Reiners, the segment also honored other iconic figures from the film world that died over the past year, including Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Val Kilmer, and Robert Redford, among others.
© Lester CohenRob and Michele Reiner’s death
The Hollywood community was stunned on December 14, 2025, when news broke of the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. The acclaimed director and his wife were found dead in their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Shortly after the discovery of the bodies, found by Romy, the couple’s youngest daughter, authorities arrested Nick Reiner, the second of the couple’s three children.
The 32-year-old, who reportedly had a history of addiction, became the main suspect and was charged with first-degree murder, facing the possibility of life in prison.
Authorities determined that Rob and Michele died from “multiple sharp-force injuries.”
In February, during a court hearing, Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to the murder charges related to his parents’ deaths. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.
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