The tribute took place during the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, as part of an extended “In Memoriam” segment reflecting the impact of Reiner’s death on Hollywood. The segment was led by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, who starred in Reiner’s acclaimed film When Harry Met Sally.
Actors from several of Reiner’s most iconic films joined the tribute. Representing the 1986 coming-of-age film Stand By Me, co-stars Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton appeared onstage to honor the late director.
However, the tribute also drew attention for the absence of Corey Feldman, who played Teddy Duchamp in Stand By Me. Feldman later spoke out about not being invited, describing the moment as a “family reunion I wasn’t invited to.”
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) and in interviews, Feldman acknowledged speculation that his exclusion may be tied to his outspoken advocacy on child abuse issues in Hollywood. Despite expressing disappointment, he urged fans not to make the situation about him.
“THIS ISNT ABOUT ME! ITS NOT MY MOMENT @ ALL!” Feldman wrote, emphasizing that the tribute should remain focused on honoring Reiner’s legacy. He also expressed support for O’Connell and Wheaton, saying they would do a “fantastic job.”
The tribute comes in the shadow of a shocking case that continues to unfold. Reiner and his wife were found dead in their Brentwood home in December 2025. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on April 29, 2026.
Despite the controversy surrounding the tribute, the ceremony underscored Reiner’s lasting influence on the film industry and the deep impact of his loss on colleagues and fans alike.
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