Corey Feldman Speaks Out on Oscars Tribute Absence

The Stand By Me star reflects on not being included in the on-stage memorial for late director Rob Reiner.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Corey Feldman has addressed his noticeable absence from this year's emotional Oscars tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Feldman, who starred in Reiner's 1986 film Stand By Me, said he felt 'a little bit like a family reunion I wasn't invited to' when the director's other stars took the stage to honor him. However, Feldman said he understands the tribute was a 'fleeting moment' and that his former co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton 'did what had to be done' in representing the film.

Why it matters

Reiner's death in 2025 at the age of 78 was a major loss for Hollywood, and the Oscars tribute was a chance for the industry to come together and celebrate his iconic filmography. Feldman's comments provide insight into the personal feelings of those who were close to Reiner and didn't get the chance to say goodbye.

The details

Feldman told Entertainment Weekly that while he was 'very destroyed' by Reiner's passing, he understood the limitations of the Oscars tribute. 'The best way we can say goodbye is honoring him and his work and his film through these tours that we're doing and these interviews and getting people to take the moment and time to acknowledge the history of his work and art that he created,' Feldman said.

  • Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their California home in December 2025.
  • The Oscars tribute to Reiner took place in March 2026.

The players

Corey Feldman

An actor who starred alongside Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton in Reiner's 1986 film Stand By Me.

Rob Reiner

A legendary film director known for movies like Misery, When Harry Met Sally, and Stand By Me. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 78.

Jerry O'Connell

An actor who appeared in Reiner's Stand By Me and participated in the Oscars tribute.

Wil Wheaton

An actor who appeared in Reiner's Stand By Me and participated in the Oscars tribute.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Personally, it felt a little bit like a family reunion I wasn't invited to, but we're not going to use this time to get into my feelings about that.”

— Corey Feldman

“The best way we can say goodbye is honoring him and his work and his film through these tours that we're doing and these interviews and getting people to take the moment and time to acknowledge the history of his work and art that he created.”

— Corey Feldman

The takeaway

Feldman's comments highlight the personal nature of losing a beloved director like Reiner, and the mixed emotions that can come with not being able to fully participate in public tributes. While the Oscars moment may have felt incomplete to some, Feldman recognizes the importance of honoring Reiner's legacy through ongoing projects and celebrations of his iconic films.