Oscar 2025 Nominations Postponed Due to Devastating LA Wildfires
Hollywood comes to a standstill as wildfires ravage Southern California.
The highly anticipated announcement of the 97th Academy Awards nominations has been postponed due to catastrophic wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles and Southern California. The fires, which have devastated areas like Pacific Palisades, have left numerous celebrities and residents grappling with significant losses.
A Trail of Devastation
The wildfires, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire, have already consumed over 15,832 acres and destroyed approximately 1,000 structures. According to KTLA 5, other fires—such as the Eaton Fire in Pasadena and the Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley—continue to wreak havoc.
Prominent celebrities, including Miles Teller, Anthony Hopkins, Adam Brody and wife Leighton Meester, as well as Anna Faris, are among those who have lost their homes. The Academy Museum and several industry events have also been disrupted or postponed.
Academy’s Official Announcement
In light of the destruction, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has rescheduled the Oscar nomination announcement from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 19. Additionally, the voting period for nominations, initially set to close on Sunday, January 12, has been extended to Tuesday, January 14.
A letter from the Academy shared with The Hollywood Reporter reads:
“We send our deepest condolences to those affected by the devastating wildfires across Southern California. Many of our members and colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and our thoughts are with you.”
The statement also provided updates on logistical changes:
“Given the fire conditions, we’ve extended the Oscar nomination voting period by two days, allowing members additional time to cast their votes. Voting will now close at 5 PM PST on January 14. The nomination announcement will take place on Sunday, January 19, with further details to follow.”
Disruption Across Hollywood
The fires have brought a wave of cancellations and postponements to the entertainment industry. Events like the International Feature Film Screening and the LA Industry Bake-Off Contest have been called off, while the Academy Museum has temporarily closed.
High-profile awards ceremonies have also been affected. The Critics Choice Awards, originally set for Sunday, January 12, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, has been postponed to January 26. CEO of the Critics Choice Association, Joey Berlin, expressed solidarity with those impacted:
“This ongoing tragedy has deeply affected our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the fires and everyone affected.”
The annual BAFTA Tea Party, slated for Saturday, was also canceled. A representative stated:
“Due to the dangerous wind conditions and wildfires in Los Angeles, we are canceling this weekend’s BAFTA Tea Party. The safety of our colleagues, friends, and peers remains our top priority.”
Personal Losses in Pacific Palisades
The Pacific Palisades fire, fueled by intense winds, has become one of the most destructive in Los Angeles history. Over 70,000 residents have been evacuated as multiple fires, including the Woodley, Olivas, and Freddy fires, rage on.
Among the hardest-hit areas is the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where celebrities are mourning the loss of multimillion-dollar homes. The properties of Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, and Miles Teller have been reduced to rubble, leaving many Hollywood elites in despair.
Even iconic locations frequented by stars haven’t been spared. Beloved spots like the Reel Inn have been destroyed, while landmarks like Nobu Malibu and Giorgio Baldi are under threat.
Despite the chaos, the 97th Academy Awards is still scheduled for March 2, 2025, with Conan O’Brien as host. The Academy and Hollywood are rallying together to support the victims of these fires while ensuring the show goes on.
This tragedy has cast a somber shadow over Hollywood, but as the community comes together, the resilience of its people will undoubtedly shine through. As the Academy eloquently put it, “In times like these, our thoughts turn to hope and unity, reminding us of the strength within our shared humanity.”
