LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has decided to delay the announcement of the Oscar nominations for this year due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The nominations, which are highly anticipated within the film industry, were originally scheduled to be revealed on Friday, then rescheduled to January 19. However, organizers have now pushed the date to January 23 in light of the continuing fires.
“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,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement.
In response to the circumstances, the Academy has also made the decision to cancel the annual Oscar nominees’ lunch, which was initially planned for February 10. Despite these changes, the Academy Awards telecast remains on schedule for March 2.
Concurrently, the organizers of the Grammy Awards have confirmed that the music industry honors will proceed as intended on February 2. However, they have noted that this year’s event will carry a heightened sense of purpose, aiming to raise additional funds to aid wildfire relief efforts and pay tribute to the bravery and commitment of the first responders who courageously risk their lives to protect others.
Recording Academy officials articulated this sentiment in a letter addressed to members, emphasizing the importance of supporting those affected by the wildfires and recognizing the sacrifices made by those on the front lines.
This decision by both the Academy and the Recording Academy reflects a conscientious response to the ongoing challenges faced by the Los Angeles community as a result of the devastating wildfires. By adjusting key events and focusing efforts on aiding relief initiatives, these esteemed organizations are showcasing a commitment to solidarity and support during this critical time.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Will Dunham and Mark Porter)
