Glitzy Oscars Nominees’ Lunch Cancelled After LA Wildfires
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the cancellation of its annual nominees’ luncheon, a champagne-swilling celebration of all those up for statuettes, due to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.
A Sombre Mood
The move comes as Hollywood grapples with the devastating impact of the blazes, which have razed whole communities around Los Angeles, killing at least 24 people and destroying thousands of structures. Seven days after the fires erupted, 92,000 people remain displaced.
Stars Affected
Stars including Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, and Billy Crystal have lost their homes to the fires, and production has been halted for TV and film. Hollywood studios and streamers have pledged eight-figure donations to emergency response and rebuilding efforts.
Industry Response
Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney each committed US$15 million, while Netflix, Amazon, and Universal parent company Comcast said they would give $10 million apiece. “Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead,” said a Warner statement.
Resilience
The industry is weighing how to navigate its just-started award season, with some, like “Hacks” actress Jean Smart, advocating for the cancellation of the entire season, urging TV networks to donate “the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters” instead.
Academy’s Decision
The Academy has decided to move its nomination announcement online, and the traditional gala evening will proceed as planned, with a focus on honouring first responders and those impacted by the fires. “Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Oscars nominees’ luncheon is a reflection of the sombre mood in Hollywood as it grapples with the devastating impact of the LA wildfires. While the industry is adapting to the new circumstances, it is clear that the focus will be on supporting those affected by the fires and rebuilding efforts.
FAQs
* What has been cancelled due to the LA wildfires?
The Academy’s annual nominees’ luncheon
* How much have Hollywood studios and streamers pledged to donate to emergency response and rebuilding efforts?
Eight-figure donations, with Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney committing $15 million and Netflix, Amazon, and Universal parent company Comcast giving $10 million apiece
* What is the current situation in LA?
At least 24 people have died, and 92,000 people remain displaced, with thousands of structures destroyed
* What is the Academy’s plan for the gala evening?
The traditional gala will proceed as planned, with a focus on honouring first responders and those impacted by the fires