Barbra Streisand Returns to Oscars Stage After 13 Years for Robert Redford Tribute
The 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, witnessed an unforgettable moment as legendary performer Barbra Streisand graced the Dolby Theatre stage for the first time in over a decade. The 83-year-old icon delivered a deeply emotional tribute to her late co-star Robert Redford during the ceremony's In Memoriam segment, hosted by Conan O'Brien.
An Emotional Tribute to a Cinematic Partner
Streisand, dressed in a stunning black gown, honored Redford who passed away on September 16, 2025, at age 89 in his Sundance, Utah home. The two starred together in the iconic 1973 romance The Way We Were, with Redford playing apolitical novelist Hubbell Gardiner opposite Streisand's passionate activist Katie Morosky.
People magazine first captured the emotional moment, reporting how Streisand shared intimate memories from their final phone conversation six months after his death. According to E! Online, she recounted discussing politics, art, and their shared love for Modigliani during that call.
"Years later, we were on the phone discussing our usual topics, politics, art, Modigliani, which was our favorite," Streisand revealed. "As we were ending the conversation, he said 'B, I love you dearly, and I always will.'" She responded with a simple note: "I love you too, Babs."
A Bond That Transcended the Screen
Streisand described Redford as an "intellectual cowboy," highlighting their unlikely but genuine connection. She told Variety that every day on The Way We Were set was "thrilling, intense, and pure joy."
In her 2023 memoir My Name is Barbra, Streisand wrote about Redford's initial reluctance to take the role. "The courtship was difficult, but Bob's hesitance significantly influenced the script, resulting in a more nuanced and compelling character," she reflected. "He and I shared a genuine connection that the audience could feel."
The Performance That Brought the House Down
Before her musical performance, Streisand evoked the original script she first read, insisting that only Robert Redford could have played Hubbell. The Associated Press reported her tribute alongside others, including Billy Crystal honoring Rob Reiner.
Then, in a moment that brought tears and cheers throughout the theatre, Streisand performed the Oscar-winning title track The Way We Were. Her voice soared with raw emotion, marking her first Oscars performance since 2013 when she honored composer Marvin Hamlisch.
Legacy of a Hollywood Icon
The performance capped a night of remembrance for Hollywood greats, with Streisand's words and song reminding audiences of Redford's multifaceted legacy as actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Institute. Fans on YouTube and social media praised the duo's chemistry that endured for 53 years since their film's release.
The Way We Were, directed by Sydney Pollack, earned six Oscar nominations with wins for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. Streisand's tribute highlighted how Redford's quiet intensity shaped not only their film but cinema itself.
The emotional segment demonstrated how certain artistic partnerships transcend time, with Streisand's return to the Oscars stage after 13 years creating a full-circle moment that honored both her career and Redford's enduring impact on the film industry.
