Corey Feldman Speaks Out on Oscars Tribute Absence

The actor addresses being excluded from the on-stage celebration of late director Rob Reiner.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Corey Feldman has broken his silence on being noticeably absent from the emotional Oscars tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Feldman, who starred in Reiner's 1986 film Stand By Me, said he felt like he was missing from a 'family reunion' but understands the focus was on honoring Reiner's legacy through the movie's 40th anniversary theatrical re-release. While Feldman wished he and others could have said their own goodbyes, he is glad his former co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton were able to represent the film on the Oscars stage.

Why it matters

Corey Feldman's comments provide insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and personal feelings around the Oscars' tribute to the late Rob Reiner, a beloved filmmaker whose work had a major impact on the careers of many actors. The exclusion of Feldman, a key star of one of Reiner's most iconic films, raises questions about the selection process for who was included in the on-stage celebration.

The details

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Feldman, 54, said he 'personally was probably maybe a little bothered by the fact that nobody got to speak or say anything from their own heart' during the Oscars tribute. He felt it 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 Stand By Me cast. Feldman expressed that he and others would have 'loved to be able to say goodbye in our own ways' to Reiner, who died in December 2025 along with his wife in an apparent murder-suicide by their son.

  • Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their California home in December 2025.
  • In March 2026, Rob Reiner was honored with an on-stage tribute at the Oscars ceremony.

The players

Corey Feldman

A 54-year-old actor who starred in Rob Reiner's 1986 film Stand By Me.

Rob Reiner

A late acclaimed film director known for movies like Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally, and Misery.

Jerry O'Connell

An actor who co-starred with Feldman in Stand By Me.

Wil Wheaton

An actor who co-starred with Feldman in Stand By Me.

Nick Reiner

The son of Rob and Michele Reiner, who was arrested and charged with the murder of his parents.

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, Actor

“We all would've loved to be able to say goodbye in our own ways. Unfortunately, that didn't happen.”

— Corey Feldman, Actor

“It was a fleeting moment, so I don't feel like I missed much at all. I personally was probably maybe a little bothered by the fact that nobody got to speak or say anything from their own heart.”

— Corey Feldman, Actor

The takeaway

Corey Feldman's comments highlight the complex emotions and personal connections that can surround major awards show tributes, especially when key figures are excluded. While the Oscars ceremony aimed to honor Rob Reiner's legacy, Feldman's absence and desire to have a more personal goodbye underscores how such high-profile memorials don't always capture the full scope of relationships and sentiments.