Oscars push back nominations announcement again amid L.A. wildfires
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscar nominations will be delayed by almost a week due to the devastating California wildfires. Originally scheduled to be announced on Jan. 16, the nominations will now be revealed on Jan. 23. This decision comes as wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, causing widespread destruction and loss.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their devastation over the impact of the fires and the losses experienced by the community. They emphasized the Academy’s commitment to standing together in the face of hardship and supporting those affected by the wildfires.
To accommodate the ongoing situation, the nominations voting period for Academy members has been extended through Friday. Additionally, the Academy has decided to cancel its annual nominees luncheon, a traditional event known for producing “class photos” of the nominated individuals. The Scientific and Technical Awards, originally scheduled for Feb. 18, will be rescheduled for a later date.
Despite these changes, the 97th Oscars will still take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre, with a live television broadcast on ABC starting at 7 p.m. ET and a live stream on Hulu. The decision to delay the nominations and make adjustments to the events leading up to the Oscars reflects the Academy’s solidarity with the community during this challenging time.
Other industry events have also been affected by the wildfires, with the Critics Choice Awards rescheduled to Jan. 26 and the AFI Awards Luncheon postponed indefinitely. The Grammys, however, will proceed as planned on Feb. 2, with a focus on raising funds for wildfire relief efforts. The Recording Academy will honour first responders and support wildfire relief through the show’s broadcast.
Netflix has announced a $10 million donation to various wildfire recovery funds, acknowledging the impact of the fires on their employees and partners. The Walt Disney Company has committed $15 million to support organizations on the ground dealing with the wildfires, highlighting the company’s deep connection to the Los Angeles region.
In the midst of these challenges, the entertainment industry has come together to support those affected by the wildfires. The Screen Actors Guild has donated $1 million to assist members impacted by the fires, while the SAG-AFTRA foundation continues to accept donations through their natural disaster relief fund.
The postponement of the Oscar nominations is a reminder of the resilience and unity of the film industry in times of crisis. As Los Angeles works towards recovery, the support and generosity of organizations and individuals in the entertainment community will play a crucial role in rebuilding and healing the affected areas.
