Barbra Streisand took the stage at the 2026 Oscars after more than a decade away, bringing tears and cheers to the Dolby Theatre. On March 15, 2026, at the 98th Academy Awards hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 83-year-old legend paid tribute to his late “The Way We Were” co-star Robert Redford in an emotional “In Memoriam” segment.
Barbra Streisand tribute moment
People magazine first reported the emotional moment, capturing Streisand in a stunning black gown as she reminisced about the iconic 1973 romance. Redford, who died on September 16, 2025, aged 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah, played apolitical novelist Hubbell Gardiner opposite Streisand’s passionate activist Katie Morosky. The film, directed by Sydney Pollack, earned six Oscar nominations, including best original song and score. Streisand shared intimate memories of her last phone call six months after her death. As reported by E! Online, she told how they talked about politics, art and their love of Modigliani. “A few years later, we were discussing our usual subjects, politics, art, Modigliani, that was our favorite,” Streisand said. “As we were wrapping up the conversation, he said, ‘B, I love you, and I always will.’ Her reply note simply said, “I love you too, Babs.” Streisand called Redford an “intellectual cowboy,” highlighting their unlikely bond. She described every day on the set of “The Way We Were” as “exciting, intense and pure joy,” according to Variety. In her 2023 memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” she wrote about her initial reluctance to take on the role. “It was a difficult courtship, but Bob’s self-doubt significantly influenced the script, resulting in a more nuanced and believable character,” reflected Streisand. “He and I shared a real connection that the audience could feel.”
Only Robert Redford could play Hubbell
Before singing, Streisand recalled the script she had read earlier, insisting that only Redford could play Hubbell. The Associated Press paid tribute to him along with others, such as Billy Crystal’s tribute to Rob Reiner. She then performed her Oscar-winning song “The Way We Were,” her voice soaring with raw emotion, last heard from Marvin Hamlisch at the 2013 Oscars. The performance ended a night of memories of Hollywood greats. Fans on YouTube and social media praised the couple’s chemistry that lasted 53 years. Streisand’s words and songs reminded us of Redford’s legacy as an actor, director and founder of the Sundance Institute, a man whose quiet intensity shaped cinema.
