Conan O’Brien Says Rob Reiner Tribute at the Oscars Will Be a ‘Powerful’ Moment During the Show

Conan O’Brien promised that the tribute planned for his friend Rob Reiner at the 2026 Oscars will be a big, emotional moment for viewers, friends and colleagues alike.

The comedian, 62, is poised to host the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, following an immensely successful run as last year’s host. However, since that time, his name has been associated in relation to the late Reiner. The filmmaker — along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner — were murdered in their home hours after attending the former late-night host’s annual Christmas party.

Speaking with Extra at the rollout for the Oscars’ red carpet, O’Brien was asked about the upcoming tribute. However, the event’s host didn’t want to say much.

“It’s hard to sum up in this environment, and would sound too pithy and weird to kind of sum it up here. I don’t think it’d be appropriate,” O’Brien told the reporter. “But, it’s going to be a very powerful part of the show.”

According to Variety, Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan — the stars of Reiner’s seminal romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally — will reunite on the Oscars stage for a special tribute to the late director. Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton, who starred in his other hit movie Stand by Me, have reportedly been asked to participate as well.

One person who will likely not be part of the tribute is Corey Feldman, who also appeared in Stand by Me. As the National Enquirer previously reported, the actor, 54, is “devastated” to have not been asked to participate and would have loved to have paid tribute to Reiner.

“The night should be about Rob and honoring him and Corey wants nothing more than to honor Rob, and the fact that he currently isn’t allowed is an absolute slap in the face,” a source said. “Even if he wasn’t on the stage, he’d love to be there, to honor Rob.”