Oscars 2025: Historic cancellation possible amid LA fires
It's mid-January, and there aren't even nominations for the Oscars. The date for the official announcement of candidates for the most prestigious film awards is being continually postponed. However, there are reports that the gala might not occur at all.
The 2025 Oscars are at risk of being canceled 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 well-known figures like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, monitor the situation daily. There's a confidential emergency plan in case the ceremony scheduled for March 3 has to be canceled.
Fires in Los Angeles claim lives and properties
The fires in Los Angeles have raised concerns that organizing the Oscars gala could be seen as tactless 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" source stated. Even if the fires are brought under control, the city will feel the effects for many months.
The fires have destroyed many homes of famous stars, including Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Bridges, and Miles Teller. Over 200,000 residents had to evacuate, and thousands are still in shelters. The fires have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed 12,300 buildings, and burned over 16,000 hectares of land. Up to 60% of Academy members are residents of Los Angeles. Celebrating in fancy 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 originally drafted with terrorist attacks in mind - it was created after September 11, 2001.
As of now, it's known that the Oscar nominations will not be announced as planned on January 17, but on January 23 instead. The event will be broadcast, but there will be no meeting with journalists as was customary. The special nominees' luncheon, which was a tradition before the Oscars, has already been canceled. The decision in this matter was made by a group of 55 Academy members. Five of them 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 canceled, and the funds planned for organizing such large events should be donated to help those affected by the fires.
