Barbra Streisand to sing at Oscars for first time in over 10 years in tribute to Robert Redford, insiders say

Barbra Streisand could be making a long-awaited return to the Oscars stage this year - and insiders say it’s all in honor of her late friend Robert Redford.

The legendary singer, 83, is reportedly in talks to perform during the In Memoriam segment of the ceremony, though details are still being hammered out, per Deadline.

Sources said it hasn’t been decided whether Streisand will take the stage solo or share the spotlight with other artists.

Fans will remember Streisand and Redford’s only on-screen pairing in the 1973 romantic classic The Way We Were, directed by Sydney Pollack. 

The film’s iconic title track, penned by Alan and Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch and famously sung by Streisand, topped the Billboard charts in 1974 and scooped both the Oscar and Grammy for Song of the Year.

It’s been more than a decade since Streisand last graced the Oscars stage - she performed that very same song in 2013 to honor the late composer Hamlisch as part of the In Memoriam segment.

Redford, who won an Oscar for directing Ordinary People and also received an honorary Academy Award, sadly passed away last September at the age of 89. 

At the time, Streisand remembered him in an Instagram post. 

'Every day on the set of ‘The Way We Were’ was exciting, intense and pure joy,' she wrote. 'We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yes, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie. 

'Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting - and one of the finest actors ever.'

Although The Way We Were was their only film together, Streisand and Redford’s connection wasn’t just chemistry on camera - it was rooted in genuine artistic respect that lasted decades. 

Streisand once explained that Redford initially turned down the role of Hubbell Gardiner in The Way We Were because he felt the character was underwritten, and she personally worked with director Sydney Pollack behind the scenes to expand his part so he’d feel more comfortable signing on.

Over the years, Streisand has spoken warmly about their collaboration, saying that Redford’s 'fascinating inner life' and subtle craft made him a joy to work with and that their shared curiosity translated directly into the film’s compelling on‑screen chemistry. 

She also recalled playful moments from the set, and how their very different personalities - his West Coast surfer‑cool ease versus her Brooklyn‑born intensity - fueled the spark that made The Way We Were such a classic.

Even after the cameras stopped rolling, their connection endured. 

In a 2015 interview honoring Redford with the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Chaplin Award, Streisand recalled their early days on set and praised his restraint and depth as an actor. 

And during the film’s 50th anniversary efforts, she reconnected with him to talk about restoring lost scenes, their conversation ending with Redford telling her he loved her 'dearly and always will.'

Their artistic bond also translated into mutual admiration at awards seasons: Streisand presented Redford with an Honorary Oscar in 2002.

Redford is expected to be a prominent part of the Oscars’ annual In Memoriam segment, which honors those in the film industry who have passed away over the past year. 

This year’s list is anticipated to include other legendary names such as Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, Val Kilmer, Brigitte Bardot, and Robert Duvall.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, and will air live on ABC and Hulu.