The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has made the difficult decision to delay announcing this year’s Oscar nominations for the second time because of the severe wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area. Originally planned for Friday, the announcement was first shifted to January 19 and now rescheduled for January 23.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their concern for the ongoing crisis, stating, “Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members.”
This year, the wildfires have disrupted numerous events and activities in the region, prompting the Academy to also cancel the annual Oscar nominees’ luncheon, which was scheduled for February 10. Despite these changes, the highly anticipated Academy Awards telecast is still on track to take place on March 2.
Meanwhile, organizers of the Grammy Awards have confirmed that their ceremony will proceed as planned on February 2. However, this year’s Grammys will have a special focus, as the Recording Academy aims to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts. In a letter to members, officials shared that the event will honor the bravery and dedication of first responders who continue to risk their lives to keep the community safe.
Both the Oscars and Grammys are adjusting their plans to show solidarity with those affected by the wildfires, underlining the importance of supporting communities in times of crisis. These changes reflect the commitment of the entertainment industry to prioritize safety and provide assistance where it is most needed.
The ongoing wildfires are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those in Los Angeles and beyond. As awards season approaches, the spirit of giving and resilience remains at the forefront, with both ceremonies serving as a platform to inspire hope and unity in the face of adversity.
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