Oscar nominations postponed, Critics Choice Awards delayed as devastating wildfires engulf Los Angeles

Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles prompt evacuations, delay of the Oscar nominations and Critics Choice Awards ceremony, and impact on Hollywood celebrities and film industry.

A series of devastating wildfires have swept through Los Angeles, leaving destruction in their wake, with five lives lost and over 1,100 structures reduced to ashes. The fires have forced thousands to evacuate, including Hollywood celebrities, and prompted widespread cancellations of major entertainment events.

The announcement of Oscar nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, originally set for January 17, has been pushed to January 19. Nomination voting deadlines have also been extended. The ceremony itself remains scheduled for March 2. In a statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed condolences to those affected, emphasising the impact on the film industry, particularly in Southern California.

The Critics Choice Awards and other pre-Oscar events, including the AFI Awards luncheon and the British Academy of Film and TV Arts Tea Party, have been postponed. Key industry showcases, like the Academy’s technical “bake-off” event, were canceled altogether.

Hollywood icons such as Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Anthony Hopkins have suffered personal losses, with homes destroyed or evacuated.

Premieres for films such as Better Man and The Last Showgirl have been called off, while the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations were announced via press release rather than the planned live event. Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily shut down due to hazardous conditions, and filming for shows like Ted Lasso and Grey’s Anatomy has been halted.

The fires, which began Tuesday, have stretched firefighting resources and water supplies thin. Schools, including Palisades Charter High School, known for its appearances in Carrie and Teen Wolf, were either damaged or destroyed .President Joe Biden has signed a federal disaster declaration, unlocking funds for temporary housing, repairs, and recovery.