The ongoing wildfires in California have added a further delay to this year’s Oscar nominations as the industry continues to feel the impact.
With 92,000 residents under evacuation orders and the death toll up to 24, Hollywood has seen a number of events postponed and rescheduled.
This year’s Oscar nominations were scheduled to be announced on 17 January before the wildfires delayed them by two days. This morning, the Academy announced they would now be revealed on 23 January and cancelled February’s nominees luncheon.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community,” a statement from the Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, and president, Janet Yang, read. The Academy has also donated $750,000 to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, a non-profit organisation that provides assistance to those working in the industry.
The ceremony is still scheduled for 2 March with Conan O’Brien hosting.
Last week also saw the Critics Choice awards delayed from 12 January to 26 January.
Next week also sees the beginning of this year’s Sundance film festival which takes place in Park City, Utah. With many attendees arriving from California, there were questions about this year’s edition still going ahead but a statement released on Monday confirmed that there would be no changes.
“Right now, we may mourn, but we also know it is important to carry on,” a statement from the organisers read. “Despite the challenges so many are confronting, we’re making our final preparations for this year’s festival, as in times like these, our mission to support artists, uplift their work and connect to communities is paramount.”
They also added: “Coming together as a community can be both healing and catalytic.”
Stars expected at this year’s Sundance include Jennifer Lopez, Dev Patel, Olivia Colman and Josh O’Connor.
Discussions were also taking place over the Grammys which were scheduled for 2 February at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles.
But, according to a new statement, “in close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources” the ceremony will go ahead.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else,” the organisers added.
This year’s Grammys will now also raise money to support wildfire relief efforts while “honoring the bravery and dedication” of the first responders on the ground.
The nominations are led by Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Charli xcx, Post Malone and Billie Eilish.