Oscars 2026 In Memoriam: Rachel McAdams And Barbra Streisand Deliver Emotional Tribute

The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, featured several emotional tributes during its “In Memoriam” segment, which honored the legends the film world lost over the past year. Rachel McAdams made a rare and moving appearance to remember her The Family Stone co-star Diane Keaton and fellow Canadian Catherine O’Hara. Additionally, Barbra Streisand returned to the stage to perform a short, heart-wrenching tribute to her late The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford. These moments provided a space for reflection during an evening that celebrated the future of cinema, reminding audiences of the lasting power of those who shaped it.

Rachel McAdams Returns for a Personal Tribute

Rachel McAdams had not attended the Academy Awards in a full decade, but she stepped back onto the stage to honor two women who were very important to her. Wearing a gold gown, she appeared visibly moved as she spoke about Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara. Keaton passed away in October 2025, and O’Hara died in early 2026.

McAdams spoke about Keaton with deep respect, saying, “For over 50 years, luminous on screen and indelible in life, believe me when I say there isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity.” She also shared a sweet memory by quoting a song Keaton loved from the Girl Scouts: “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold.”

Turning to her fellow Canadian, Catherine O’Hara, McAdams described her as a “comedic genius and scene-stealer.” O’Hara, known for Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, was celebrated for her unique ability to make audiences “laugh until they cried.”

Barbra Streisand’s Musical Farewell

The night’s most powerful musical moment came when 83-year-old Barbra Streisand appeared to honor Robert Redford. Redford passed away in September 2025 at the age of 89. This was Streisand’s first time performing at the Oscars since 2013, making the occasion even more special for the fans in attendance.

Before she sang, Streisand shared stories about their time filming The Way We Were in 1973. She called Redford an “intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail.” She also highlighted his work outside of acting, such as his support for the environment and his work with the Sundance Institute. Streisand finished her speech by singing a few lines from their famous theme song, which brought many people in the audience to tears.

“Bob had real backbone on and off the screen,” Streisand said. “He was thoughtful and bold… and I miss him now more than ever.”

A Year of Heavy Loss for Hollywood

The “In Memoriam” segment was longer than usual this year because of the many famous figures who died recently. Aside from Keaton, O’Hara, and Redford, the ceremony also honored director Rob Reiner, who was remembered in a special speech by his close friend Billy Crystal.

Data from the broadcast indicated that viewership for the ceremony was up by 12% compared to the previous year. Many people tuned in specifically to see these tributes to their favorite stars.

Reflections on a Changing Industry

Film experts noticed how these losses signal a change in the industry. As the stars of the “New Hollywood” era of the 1970s pass away, the Academy is finding ways to celebrate their work while welcoming a new group of leaders.

Film critic Sarah Jenkins explained, “The tributes this year felt more personal because the presenters had real, deep connections to the people they were honoring. Seeing Rachel McAdams and Barbra Streisand share those stories reminds us that Hollywood is a small community that values its history.”

The 98th Academy Awards showed that while movies and technology change, the emotional impact of a great actor never fades. By taking the time to stop the show and remember these legends, the Academy ensured that their contributions to art would not be forgotten.