Emotional Tribute

• Billy Crystal honored late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner during the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, quoting 'The Princess Bride' with 'Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.' • Crystal praised the Reiners for their landmark role in U.S. marriage equality, drawing roaring applause from the audience. • Collaborators including Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mandy Patinkin joined Crystal onstage.

• Billy Crystal honored late director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner with a moving tribute at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, quoting 'The Princess Bride' with 'what fun we had storming the castle'. • Crystal praised the Reiners for their role in the landmark U.S. marriage equality decision, joined on stage by Meg Ryan, Demi Moore, Kathy Bates, Kiefer Sutherland, and Mandy Patinkin. • The tribute preceded the In Memoriam segment featuring Robert Redford, Val Kilmer, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, a Barbra Streisand performance, and Rachel McAdams speech.