Billy Crystal appeared at the 98th Oscars on Sunday night to pay tribute to his longtime friend, and When Harry Met Sally… director, Rob Reiner.

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their home, located in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, in December. Their son, Nick has been charged with two counts of murder; he’s pleaded not guilty.

Crystal noted that he first met Reiner when he was cast as the best friend of Reiner’s character on All in the Family.

“It went so well, where Rob said, ‘You know, it’s fun playing your best friend, why don’t we keep it going?’” Crystal recalled. “And it was a thrill to see him evolve from a great comic actor to a master storyteller.”

He then went on to list many of Reiner’s films, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, Misery, A Few Good Men and An American President.

“My friends, Rob’s movies will last for lifetimes because they were about what makes us laugh and cry and what we aspire to be far better in his eyes, far kinder, far funnier and far more human,” Crystal said.

Crystal also paid tribute to Michele: “a gifted photographer, she not only produced films with Rob, but it was her energy that had them working tirelessly to fight social injustice in the country that they both loved. … Rob and Michele Reiner became the driving force in the landmark decision for marriage equality across the United States. And their loss is immeasurable.”

He continued: “And to the millions who have enjoyed his films all these years, I want you to know here and around the world, how many times Rob told me that it meant everything to him, that his work meant something to you. And for us who had the privilege of working with and knowing him, and loving him, all we can say is, ‘Buddy, what fun we had storming the castle.’”

In a touching moment, the curtain behind Crystal lifted to reveal several stars of Reiner’s movies, including Crystal’s When Harry Met Sally… co-star Meg Ryan, along with Michael McKean and Christopher Guest (This Is Spinal Tap); Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Pollak and Demi Moore (A Few Good Men); Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Kane and Fred Savage (The Princess Bride); Kathy Bates (Misery); Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton (Stand by Me); Annette Bening (An American President); and John Cusack (The Sure Thing).

When Harry Met Sally…, which was nominated for a best original screenplay Oscar for Nora Ephron, earned Reiner a BAFTA Award for best film and best director nominations from the DGA, Golden Globes DGA Award nomination for best director. It also landed acting noms for Ryan and Crystal at the Golden Globes, along with a nom for best motion picture — comedy or musical.

The movie, which nabbed more than $93 million at the domestic box office (not adjusted for inflation), spawned numerous catchphrases, including several Crystal rattled off onstage, including “baby fish mouth, pecan pie and Harry telling Sally, when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” He also mentioned, of course, “I’ll have what she’s having.” That line was famously uttered by Reiner’s own mom, Estelle, during a fake-orgasm scene. In an interview with 60 Minutes last year, Reiner shared that things got really awkward when he had to step in and show Ryan how he wanted her to act out the moment.

“First couple of times, she didn’t do it full out,” he said. “And finally, I sat across from Billy. And I acted it for her.… And I’m pounding the table, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ And I’m realizing I’m having an orgasm in front of my mother, you know? There’s my mother over there.”

Reiner also landed a best picture nom as a producer on A Few Good Men as well as DGA and Golden Globe directing noms for A Few Good Men and Stand by Me. He also garnered eight Emmy noms, including two wins, for his work as an actor, director and producer.

The 2026 Oscars are being handed out Sunday night. See the star-studded red carpet arrivals, and keep up with the winners here, Also, check out The Hollywood Reporter’s guide to the Oscars, and see THR’s full coverage of the night.