Barbra Streisand delivered an emotional tribute to Robert Redford at the Academy Awards, singing from their iconic 1973 film 'The Way We Were' as part of the In Memoriam segment. The Oscar-winning actress and singer reflected on their decades-long friendship, recalling how Redford initially rejected the role because the character 'had no backbone.'

Streisand praised Redford as an 'intellectual cowboy who blazed his own trail,' highlighting his political activism and work founding the Sundance Institute to support independent filmmakers. She noted his preference for life in Utah over Hollywood's glamour, describing him as thoughtful and bold in both his craft and activism.

The tribute featured Redford's words projected onstage: 'The glory of art is that it cannot only survive change, it can lead it.' Streisand's performance came as part of a segment that also honored Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton, recognizing film industry figures who passed away in the past year.