Oscars 2025 in jeopardy as Los Angeles fires rage on
It's mid-January, and the Oscar nominations have yet to be announced. The date for the official presentation of candidates for the most important film awards is continually being postponed. However, there are now reports that the gala might not take place at all.
The 2025 Oscars are at risk of being cancelled for the first time in their 96-year history due to the devastating fires raging in Los Angeles. According to American media, Academy committees, including renowned figures like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, are monitoring the situation daily. There's a confidential emergency plan in case the ceremony scheduled for 3 March has to be cancelled.
Fires in Los Angeles claim lives and properties
The fires in Los Angeles have raised concerns that holding the Oscars gala could be perceived as insensitive in the face of tragedy. "The main concern of the board is not to make it look like a celebration when many residents of Los Angeles are dealing with unimaginable loss," a "Daily Mail" informant said. Even if the fires are brought under control, the city will feel the impact for many months.
The fires have destroyed many homes of famous stars, including Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges, and Miles Teller. Over 200,000 residents have had to evacuate, and thousands are still in shelters. The fires have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed 12,300 buildings, and burnt approximately 16,000 hectares of land. Up to 60% of Academy members are residents of Los Angeles. Celebrating in elaborate attire would seem at least peculiar.
Interestingly, the Academy has had an emergency plan prepared for years, which can be implemented in extreme situations. It was drafted with terrorist attacks in mind – it was created after 11 September 2001.
As of now, it's known that the Oscar nominations will not be announced as planned on 17 January, but on 23 January instead. The event will be broadcast, but there will be no meeting with journalists as was customary. The special nominees' luncheon, traditionally held before the Oscars, has already been cancelled. The decision in this matter was made by a group of 55 Academy members, five of whom lost their homes due to the raging fires. Actress Jean Smart commented in the media that the Oscars and other film events should be definitively cancelled and the funds planned for organising such large events should be donated to help those affected by the fires.
