Corey Feldman Speaks Out About Oscars Tribute Snub for Rob Reiner

The Stand By Me actor says he felt 'like a family reunion I wasn't invited to' after being left out of the in-memoriam segment honoring the late director.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist composition of stark black silhouettes and geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the complex emotions surrounding the omission of an actor from a tribute to a beloved filmmaker.The Oscars' exclusion of Corey Feldman from the tribute to director Rob Reiner leaves a void in the celebration of a cinematic family's legacy.Phoenix Today

Corey Feldman, who starred in the classic film Stand By Me alongside Wil Wheaton and Jerry O'Connell, has expressed disappointment at being omitted from the Oscars tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Feldman said he would have liked to have been included alongside the other Stand By Me cast members who appeared on stage to honor Reiner, who died in December 2025.

Why it matters

Reiner's films, including The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and This Is Spinal Tap, were beloved by many, and his death was mourned by the entertainment industry. Feldman's exclusion from the tribute segment highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when honoring the legacy of a director, especially when it involves actors who had significant roles in their films.

The details

During the Oscars' in-memoriam section, Billy Crystal led a tribute to Reiner that featured numerous stars from his films, including Demi Moore, Kevin Pollak, Meg Ryan, and John Cusack. However, Feldman, who played Teddy Duchamp in Stand By Me, was not included, despite his co-stars Wheaton and O'Connell being present. Feldman said he would have liked to have heard from Wheaton and O'Connell, as well as a few other people, during the tribute.

  • The Oscars ceremony took place on March 12, 2026.
  • Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Reiner, were found dead at their home on December 14, 2025.
  • Feldman's comments about the Oscars tribute came in an interview with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming 40th anniversary re-release of Stand By Me.

The players

Corey Feldman

An actor who starred in the classic film Stand By Me, which was directed by Rob Reiner.

Rob Reiner

A renowned writer and director known for films such as The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, and This Is Spinal Tap. Reiner and his wife, Michele, were killed in December 2025.

Wil Wheaton

An actor who starred alongside Feldman in Stand By Me.

Jerry O'Connell

An actor who starred alongside Feldman in Stand By Me.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Jerry and Wil did what had to be done. It was a fleeting moment, so I don't feel like I missed much at all. Although they did a wonderful job, I would've liked to have heard from Wil and Jerry and a few other people up there.”

— Corey Feldman, Actor

“Personally, it felt a little bit like a family reunion I wasn't invited to. It is what it is … I just want to say that I'm with the rest of us, we're all very destroyed that things went down the way they did.”

— Corey Feldman, Actor

What’s next

Feldman said plans had been in the works for events to mark the 40th anniversary of Stand By Me, which have now been scaled down following Reiner's death. The actor expressed hope that the film can still be celebrated on the big screen as a way to honor Reiner's legacy.

The takeaway

Feldman's exclusion from the Oscars tribute highlights the complex dynamics that can arise when honoring the legacy of a beloved director, especially when it involves actors who had significant roles in their films. The situation underscores the importance of ensuring that all relevant parties are included and recognized when celebrating the work of influential filmmakers.