Corey Feldman finally speaks out after being noticeably absent from a major moment at the 98th annual Academy Awards. The actor, who starred in the iconic 1986 film ‘Stand By Me’, revealed his reaction after being left out of the moving tribute to the deceased. Rob Reiner during this year’s ceremony.
Corey Feldman reacts to Oscar snobbery
As fellow “Stand By Me” stars Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton appeared on stage for the tribute, Feldman said he stood watching from the sidelines.
“I think Jerry and Wil did the right thing,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “It was a fleeting moment, so I don’t feel like I missed out on much. Personally, I was probably maybe a little embarrassed by the fact that no one was able to speak or do or say anything from their own heart.”
Although he downplayed the situation, Corey Feldman admitted the moment still struck a nerve. “It’s like that,” he said, before adding that “it was a bit like a family reunion that I wasn’t invited to.”
Feldman says ‘it’s a tragedy’ after loss of Reiner
Even despite the disappointment, Corey Feldman made it clear he wasn’t looking to turn the moment into drama. “We are not going to take advantage of this time to express my feelings on this subject,” he explained. Instead, the actor focused on honoring the beloved filmmaker’s legacy and the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing.
Feldman shared that the loss of Rob Reiner was devastating to those who worked closely with him. “Instead, I just want to say I’m with all of us, we’re all very destroyed that things happened the way they did,” he said. “To lose Rob when we all thought he would join us at some point on this tour and it’s a tragedy.”
The tragic death of Rob Reiner and his wife sends shockwaves through Hollywood
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025, sending shockwaves through Hollywood. The couple’s daughter, Romy, reportedly found her father’s body in their bedroom.
The circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths quickly became the subject of an ongoing investigation. A spokesperson for the Reiner family confirmed the heartbreaking news, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss and ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Authorities later arrested Rob’s son, Nick, in connection with the case.
Suspect pleads not guilty as case moves forward
At a recent appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court, the suspect, Nick, appeared in a jail-issued jumpsuit and pleaded not guilty through his attorney. He spoke briefly during the hearing, answering “yes” when asked if he understood he was waiving his right to a speedy trial.
Nick is currently being held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Center awaiting the next phase of the case, with his next court date set for April 29. Sources close to the family say communication between Nick and his loved ones has since broken down as they continue to process the shocking events.
Corey Feldman was ‘devastated’ before speaking out
Before Corey Feldman publicly addressed the situation, insiders revealed how much the snub affected him behind the scenes. Sources said the actor was “devastated” after learning he wouldn’t be included in the Oscars lineup honoring Rob Reiner, especially given his role as Teddy Duchamp in Stand By Me.
According to a close source, Feldman had every reason to believe he would be part of the moment alongside his former co-stars. “He liked Rob and expected to be asked,” the source said, noting that other actors from the film were reportedly contacted about participating.
The situation, according to the insider, felt less like a scheduling issue and more like a personal blow. “Corey wants nothing more than to pay tribute to Rob, and the fact that he’s not allowed right now is a real slap in the face,” they continued. “Even if he wasn’t on stage, he would love to be there, to honor Rob.”
