Will Oscars 2025 be cancelled due to devastating Los Angeles wildfires? What we know

New Delhi: For the first time in Oscars history, the prestigious Academy Awards ceremony could be called off. Reports from The Sun suggest that the 2025 Oscars, scheduled for March 2, may be cancelled due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. This catastrophic event has left many parts of the city in devastation, and the Academy is closely monitoring the situation before making a final decision.

The decision is not taken lightly. The Academy is keenly aware that holding an extravagant ceremony amidst the ongoing crisis could seem insensitive to the Angelenos who are grappling with unimaginable loss.

Oscars 2025 cancelled?

A source told The Sun that the primary concern is not to appear celebratory during such a difficult time for the city. Even if the fires subside soon, the city will continue to feel the effects for months, and the Academy may shift its focus toward supporting the community and fundraising efforts.

This year’s Oscars ceremony which usually draws big stars like Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg could see a shift in tone. The event might be postponed and the Academy has expressed its intention to show solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

Oscars 2025 nominations

In addition to this, the usual Oscar buzz has been delayed as well. The announcement of the 97th Academy Awards nominees, originally scheduled for January 17, will now take place on January 19. Voting for nominations was also extended by two days, now closing on January 14.

Academy Chief Executive Bill Kramer expressed condolences in a heartfelt letter, saying, “We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California.” Many members of the Academy, as well as industry colleagues, live and work in Los Angeles, and the Academy is keeping them in their thoughts.

It’s not just the Oscars that have been impacted. Several major events in Hollywood have been postponed, including the British Academy of Film and TV Arts Tea Party, the AFI Awards luncheon, and the Critics’ Choice Awards.

Los Angeles wildfires

As the fires continue to ravage multiple locations in Los Angeles, several confirmed casualties have been reported, and many homes have been destroyed. A number of celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Mark Hamill, have lost their homes to the fires.