Whoopi Goldberg became emotional while paying tribute to Billy Crystal at the 46th annual Kennedy Center Honors as the two remembered their good friend, the late Robin Williams.
The ceremony was filmed earlier this month but aired on Wednesday night.
As View co-host, 68, appeared on stage to praise Crystal, one of the evening’s stars, she got choked up thinking about how their trio was missing one member.
“I want to acknowledge that the person who should also be standing here with me is our brother Robin,” Goldberg said as she paused to point to the empty seat where the late Oscar winner was supposed to be by her side.
Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, 2006.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Speaking again When Harry met Sally star, took a beat to stay composed.
“You are my family, you are my big brother and you have no idea what an honor it is to see you get what you deserve. I love you. You are a man. You are a national treasure. National treasure. Billy, congratulations.”
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Other award-winning artists included Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Renée Fleming and Barry Gibb. Gloria Estefan was the emcee of the evening.
Earlier this month at a tribute taping at the Kennedy Center, Crystal, 75, spoke to reporters from the red carpet about his adoration Jumanji star. Williams participated in the 2007 Crystal Mark Twain Humor Award ceremony at the city’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Remembering the life of Robin Williams in photographs
“It was great and all my friends were there,” Crystal recalled of the event. “Besides that, [the awards are] gratitude for your work, your life’s work.”
He continued to reflect on his close relationship with Williams.
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Robin Williams, 2013.
Robin Marchant/Getty
“I really feel like I’m missing my friend Robin tonight, a lot, because of everything we’ve done together,” Here today the actor told reporters. “I know he would be here, and he is. So it’s special, and a lot of feeling for me tonight.”
Over the years, the couple has starred in a number of projects together, including Father’s Day (1997) and Deconstructing Harry (1997). They were also on hand to honor Goldberg when she was awarded the Mark Twain Award in 2001.
Whoopi Goldberg once had an elevator ‘Fart War’ with Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, granddaughter says
When Williams died in 2014 at the age of 63, Crystal and Goldberg gave emotional speeches at his funeral.
“The ceremony was such a beautiful tribute and celebration of Robin’s life,” a source told PEOPLE at the time of Williams’ memorial service in September 2014. “There was so much joy, but also tears. He touched the lives of so, many people and brought so much happiness and light.”
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