Cancellations and chaos continue as Hollywood reacts to ongoing L.A. fires
The devastating fires raging through Los Angeles have taken a toll on the film industry, with events being postponed and stars like Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore mourning the loss of their homes. The crisis, now in its third day, has led to the delay of the Oscar nominations announcement by two days. The list of nominees will now be revealed on Jan. 19, with voting extended until Jan. 14 for the nearly 10,000 Academy members.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed condolences to those affected by the fires in a letter to members, acknowledging the impact on the industry community in the Los Angeles area. Firefighters are currently battling four separate blazes across the region, with at least five casualties and 130,000 people under evacuation orders.
The fires have disrupted major industry events, forcing the rescheduling of the Critics Choice Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Award nominations announcement, the AFI Awards luncheon, and the BAFTA Tea Party. Premieres for films like “Better Man” and “The Last Showgirl” have been canceled, and production on shows and films in the affected area has been halted.
Celebrities like Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Cary Elwes have shared their heartbreaking experiences of losing their homes to the fires. The devastation has affected not only their personal lives but also the broader community, with many others facing similar losses. Stars such as Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg also have homes in the area and have been impacted by the fires.
The film industry is grappling with the aftermath of the fires, as Hollywood’s biggest stars now face the daunting task of rebuilding amidst the destruction. The resilience and support shown by the community in the face of adversity are a testament to the strength and unity of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. The fires may have disrupted events and productions, but they have not extinguished the spirit of those affected, who remain determined to overcome this crisis together.