The lead-up to the Oscars is being extended as wildfires continue to ravage Hollywood and the Southern California area.
Due to the impact of the fires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday, January 13 that its schedule of events this awards season will be reset.
The nomination voting period has now been extended to Friday, January 17. The announcement of nominations (originally scheduled for this Friday, January 17) will occur on Thursday, January 23 and will be conducted online.
In addition, the annual Oscar nominees luncheon, scheduled for February 10, has been canceled and the Science and Technology Awards, scheduled for February 18, will be rescheduled for a later date.
As of now, the 97th Academy Awards will still be held on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood, televised live.
"We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound loss experienced by so many in our community," Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement. "The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of adversity."
"We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have helped with the fires, recognizing those affected and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief effort. We will get through this together and to bring a sense of healing."
PEOPLE magazine says it has learned that the Academy has donated $750,000 to help those affected by the fires.
Conan O'Brien, this year's Oscars host, marked himself safe amid the Jan. 11 fires and wrote on Instagram: "Our hearts go out to those affected by this ongoing situation. Please stay safe."
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for January 12, have been pushed back to Sunday, January 26, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
The 2025 Grammy Awards will still take place on Sunday, February 2 in LA with a fundraising component to support fire relief efforts.
The unprecedented wildfires started on Tuesday, January 7th and spread across the LA area, destroying countless homes and displacing local residents. As of January 12, officials said the death toll has so far reached 24.
Source: People
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