Billy Crystal is happy as 'When Harry Met Sally' co-star Meg Ryan 'got to direct again' after 8 years

WASHINGTON, DC: In a star-studded event on Sunday, December 3, at the 46th Kennedy Center Honors, Billy Crystal took a moment to thank his 'When Harry Met Sally' co-star Meg Ryan as they celebrated almost 35 years of the enduring romantic comedy.

The 75-year-old actor was recognized for their lifetime artistic achievements along with Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Renee Fleming, and Barry Gibb at the event in Washington, DC,

Billy Crystal talks about why 'When Harry Met Sally' is an evergreen film

Speaking to People, Crystal spoke about the long-lasting impact of the iconic film. "We were thrown together by [director Rob Reiner and screenwriter Nora Ephron], chosen to be this couple and you never know — almost 35 years later, we’re still a couple to everybody," Crystal said.

"As you get further along and new generations see this movie and feel it and watch it over and over again on Valentine’s Day, on New Year’s Eve, whatever it is," he continued.

"You know, people fall in love every day, and people fall out of love every day. This movie is an evergreen that way. It’s a beautiful thing," the comedian added.

Billy Crystal is excited about Meg Ryan's return as a director

The 62-year-old actress who has not appeared on the big screen since her directorial debut 'Ithaca' which she also produced, co-wrote, and starred is now making her return to the industry with her 2023 romantic comedy movie 'What Happens Later.'

"I’m so happy she got to direct again. We’re very lucky," Crystal said of Ryan's recent film released eight years after 'Ithaca'.

Honoring her costar during the ceremony on Sunday, December 3, Ryan joked about the iconic "I'll have what she's having" line and also about the orgasm scene at Katz's Deli in New York.

"The scene came really naturally to me, and I really have Billy to thank for that," Ryan said during her appearance at the event. "As his wife Janice has known for over 50 years, falling in love with Billy is a pretty easy thing to do," the actress added.

When Harry Met Sally was among 25 films selected for the National Film Registry in 2022. "The movie is beautiful and simple and appropriate and every shot is just right," Crystal said of 'When Harry Met Sally' which was one of 25 films selected for the National Film Registry in 2022.

The 46th Kennedy Center Honors event will stream on Paramount+ and broadcasted on CBS on Wednesday, December 27.