Rachel McAdams honors 'fellow Canadian' Catherine O'Hara at 2026 Oscars: 'She made us laugh'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Oscars stage shone with touching tributes to Hollywood legends. Rachel McAdams paid homage to the late Catherine O’Hara, the cherished 'Home Alone' actress who passed away from a pulmonary embolism. 

Just earlier this month, O’Hara was honored with a posthumous award at the 2026 SAG Awards. The 98th Academy Awards also remembered other cinematic icons, including Diane Keaton, Rob Reiner, and Robert Redford, celebrating their lifelong contributions to the film industry.

Rachel McAdams honors Catherine O’Hara

The Oscars’ In Memoriam segment always leaves the audience moved, but McAdams made it deeply personal. She took the stage and began her speech by acknowledging the void left behind by stars who passed away between 2025 and early 2026.

“This year, we lost so many artists, including actresses whose talent and originality widened the world for all of us,” she said, her voice steady at first but cracking with emotion.

She then spoke about veteran actress Catherine O’Hara, the comedic genius behind 'Schitt’s Creek' and 'Home Alone.' McAdams called her “my fellow Canadian,” adding that "she made us laugh until we cried." O’Hara was celebrated for her sharp wit that brought joy to millions.

While O’Hara’s image appeared on the large screen, Rachel McAdams’ voice trembled with emotion. As for Diana Keaton, McAdams said, "There isn’t an actress of my generation who is not inspired by and enthralled with her absolute singularity."

Catherine O'Hara died of pulmonary embolism

Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71 on January 30, 2026, at a Los Angeles hospital. According to her death certificate, the immediate cause was a pulmonary embolism, while long-term complications from rectal cancer were also listed.

The certificate noted that O'Hara had been undergoing treatment for cancer since March 2025. Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to the celebrated Canadian actress, known for her recent roles in the Emmy-winning comedy 'The Studio' and 'The Last of Us.'