The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations has been postponed due to the deadly wildfires ravaging Southern California, with Los Angeles at the center of the crisis. Originally scheduled for January 17, the highly anticipated announcement will now take place on January 19, 2025. Additionally, the voting period for the nearly 10,000 Academy members has been extended by two days, now concluding on January 14.
The fires have had a profound impact on the local community, including several well-known figures in the entertainment industry. Among those affected are former Oscars host Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, James Woods, and Miles Teller, who have lost their homes. The fires have also disrupted the region’s film and TV productions, with many studios and events adjusting their schedules in response.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed his condolences in a letter to members, highlighting the impact of the fires on industry colleagues, particularly those living and working in the Los Angeles area. The fires broke out in Hollywood Hills, near landmarks like Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, adding to the ongoing crisis that has gripped the city since Tuesday.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally set for January 12, have been moved to January 26, with CEO Joey Berlin acknowledging the tragedy’s effect on the community. Other events, including the Bafta Tea Party and the Writers Guild of America nominations, have also been canceled or rescheduled.
In light of the ongoing disaster, Jean Smart, star of Hacks, publicly requested that TV networks and streamers consider not broadcasting upcoming awards shows. She suggested that the revenue from these shows be donated to victims and firefighters.
As TV and film productions are halted across Los Angeles, many unscripted shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live! and America’s Got Talent, have paused, with safety being the top priority for all involved.
This disruption underscores the devastating impact of the fires, not only on the lives of individuals but also on the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles
