Corey Feldman Claims He Wasn't Invited to Oscars Tribute for 'Stand By Me' Director Rob Reiner

The actor said he understands the belief that his exclusion is due to his outspokenness about childhood abuse, but insists the tribute is not about him.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Actor Corey Feldman, who starred in the 1986 film "Stand By Me" directed by the late Rob Reiner, has announced that he was not invited to participate in a special tribute to Reiner at the 2026 Oscars ceremony. Feldman said he understands some believe his exclusion is due to his outspokenness about the abuse he suffered as a child, but insists the tribute is not about him. Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home in December 2025, and their son has been charged with their murders.

Why it matters

Feldman's claims raise questions about whether his exclusion from the Oscars tribute is related to his advocacy work around childhood abuse. As a former child actor, Feldman's experiences have shed light on the challenges and exploitation many young performers face in the entertainment industry.

The details

According to reports, Feldman was "devastated" not to be asked to participate in the Oscars tribute to Reiner, who directed him in "Stand By Me." Feldman urged his supporters to stop pushing for him to be included, saying "THEY DONT NEED ME THERE, WILL & JERRY GOT THIS IM SURE, THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB!" Feldman's "Stand By Me" co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton were reportedly invited to take part in the tribute.

  • Reiner and his wife were found dead in their home on December 14, 2025.
  • Reiner's son Nick was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in February 2026.

The players

Corey Feldman

An actor who starred in the 1986 film "Stand By Me" directed by Rob Reiner.

Rob Reiner

A late filmmaker who directed the 1986 film "Stand By Me" and other movies.

Nick Reiner

The son of Rob Reiner who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents.

Jerry O'Connell

Corey Feldman's co-star in the film "Stand By Me."

Wil Wheaton

Corey Feldman's co-star in the film "Stand By Me."

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What they’re saying

“I JUST WANT 2 BRIEFLY MENTION THIS WHOLE OSCARS THING! YES ITS TRUE THAT I WAS NOT INVITED. I UNDERSTAND MANY BELIEVE ITS DUE 2 BEING OUTSPOKEN ABOUT THE ABUSE I SUFFERED AS A CHILD & THE CAMPAIGN 2 SILENCE ME. HOWEVER THIS ISNT ABOUT ME! ITS NOT MY MOMENT @ ALL! ITS ABOUT THE TRAGIC LOSS OF R FRIEND ROB REINER & HIS MEMORY.”

— Corey Feldman (X)

“THEY DONT NEED ME THERE, WILL & JERRY GOT THIS IM SURE, THEY WILL DO A FANTASTIC JOB! ILL HONOR ROB MY OWN WAY.”

— Corey Feldman (X)

What’s next

The Academy and representatives for Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton and Jerry O'Connell have not responded to requests for comment on Feldman's exclusion from the Oscars tribute.

The takeaway

Corey Feldman's exclusion from the Oscars tribute to his "Stand By Me" director Rob Reiner has raised questions about whether his outspokenness on childhood abuse in Hollywood played a role. While Feldman insists the tribute is not about him, his experiences highlight the ongoing challenges former child actors face in the entertainment industry.