Barbra Streisand delivers emotional tribute to Robert Redford with The Way We Were performance at Oscars

The Academy Awards witnessed a historic moment of cinematic nostalgia as Barbra Streisand took the stage for a rare, soul-stirring performance of her classic hit to honor her late friend and co-star, Robert Redford.

This unexpected tribute served as the emotional centerpiece of the evening, celebrating a partnership that has defined Hollywood romance for over half a century. As the iconic melody began, the Dolby Theatre fell into a hushed reverence, acknowledging two of the industry’s most enduring titans.

The chemistry that first ignited on screen decades ago felt remarkably present as Streisand’s voice filled the room. It was a masterclass in poise and vocal prowess that left many in the audience reaching for tissues.

Let’s look at how this legendary reunion unfolded on the world’s biggest stage.

Why did Barbra Streisand choose this moment to honor Redford?

Barbra Streisand decided to perform at the Oscars specifically to celebrate Robert Redford’s unparalleled legacy following his passing in September 2025.

The duo maintained a deep, private friendship since they played Katie Morosky and Hubbell Gardiner, characters whose star-crossed love story became a cultural touchstone in the 1973 classic, The Way We Were. Streisand has rarely performed at the Academy Awards in recent years, making her appearance a significant gesture of respect for the man she called her “intellectual cowboy.”

During the In Memoriam segment, Streisand honored Redford with personal remarks before singing part of “The Way We Were.” The tribute closed with images of Redford on the screen behind her.

The performance that brought the Dolby Theatre to a standstill

Streisand’s rendition of the Oscar-winning title song was characterized by a controlled, emotive power that proved her legendary vocals remain as potent as ever.

Streisand delivered the song with orchestral backing as images of Redford, including a black-and-white photo of the two stars, appeared on the screen behind her.

Fun fact: Barbra Streisand stuck to her signature long nails while filming, confirming they’ve always been real despite her character’s practical, no-nonsense persona.

Remembering an “intellectual cowboy” on the big stage

In a touching speech before her song, Streisand shared personal reflections on her bond with Redford, noting his lifelong commitment to independent film and the environment.

She spoke about their mutual respect and how they continued to discuss politics and art throughout their long-standing friendship. This performance was the cornerstone of the “In Memoriam” segment at the 2026 ceremony, providing a focal point for the industry to say goodbye to the man who founded the Sundance Institute.

When the song ended, the audience rose for a standing ovation as Streisand closed the In Memoriam tribute to Redford.

The lasting impact of their 1973 collaboration

The Way We Were remains a pivotal film in both actors’ careers, having earned six Academy Award nominations and winning two for its music.

The film’s political and romantic tensions have helped it endure for more than 50 years. In her 2026 Oscars tribute, Streisand called Redford a brilliant, subtle actor and said they had a wonderful time playing off each other.

The 2026 tribute returned The Way We Were to the Oscars stage more than 50 years after the film’s release. The film remains one of the signature screen collaborations in Streisand’s and Redford’s careers.

Fun fact: Streisand remembers getting the news that Redford finally agreed to the film via a two-word telegram from her agent that simply read: “Barbra Redford.”

How the music of Marvin Hamlisch fueled the night

The tribute also served as a posthumous nod to composer Marvin Hamlisch, who wrote the music for the iconic song and won two Oscars for the film.

Hamlisch composed the music for “The Way We Were,” and the song returned to the Oscars stage when Streisand performed it during the 2026 tribute to Redford. The film won Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Dramatic Score.

“The Way We Were” had been part of Oscars history before, with Streisand also performing it at the 2013 ceremony in tribute to Hamlisch. Its return in 2026 connected Redford’s tribute to one of the film’s most enduring elements.

A night of nostalgia and legacy in Hollywood

The 2026 In Memoriam segment included major tributes led by Billy Crystal for Rob Reiner and Barbra Streisand for Robert Redford.

The ceremony featured tributes to several late film figures, and Streisand closed the In Memoriam segment by honoring Redford with remarks and a live performance.

Streisand’s appearance marked her first live Oscars performance since 2013 and was explicitly tied to honoring Redford, her The Way We Were co-star and longtime friend.

TL;DR

• Barbra Streisand performed “The Way We Were” at the 2026 Oscars as a tribute to the late Robert Redford.
• The performance was a key part of the “In Memoriam” segment following Redford’s death in September 2025.
• Streisand referred to her co-star as an “intellectual cowboy” in a touching introductory speech.
• The tribute featured images of Redford on the screen during Streisand’s performance, including a black-and-white photo of the pair.
• The performance received a standing ovation from the audience at the Dolby Theatre.

If you liked this, don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content.

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.

If you liked this, you might also like:

• Why Gene Hackman was not included in the 2026 Oscars In Memoriam
• Shonda Rhimes speaks out after Eric Dane’s omission from the Oscars In Memoriam sparks debate online
• James Van Der Beek’s daughter Emilia shared an emotional tribute, saying she knows her dad is in a good place