Barbra Streisand Honors Robert Redford with Emotional Oscars Performance

Barbra Streisand delivered a moving tribute to her longtime friend and colleague, Robert Redford, at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The performance came months after Redford’s death in September 2025 at the age of 89 .

A Tearful Rendition of “The Way We Were”

Streisand, visibly emotional, sang a portion of “The Way We Were,” the iconic title track from their 1973 film of the same name . As she performed, a montage of photos featuring Redford played in the background, including a black-and-white image of the pair together .

Remembering Redford’s Legacy

Prior to her performance, Streisand shared heartfelt memories of Redford, describing him as an “intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail” and acknowledging how much she missed him . She highlighted his commitment to supporting the free press, protecting the environment, and fostering new voices through his Sundance Institute in Utah .

A Unique Partnership

Streisand fondly recalled the contrasting personalities she and Redford brought to their work together, noting their differences – his background with horses versus her allergy to them – and how they continually sought to understand each other, mirroring their characters in “The Way We Were” . She praised his charisma, intelligence, and intensity, calling him “one of the finest actors ever” .

Other Highlights from the 2026 Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards also celebrated other achievements in filmmaking. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another took home the awards for Best Picture and Best Director. The KPop Demon Hunters’ song “Golden” won Best Original Song, and Ludwig Göransson was recognized with the Best Original Score award for his work on Sinners .