The devastating wildfires raging in Southern California, particularly in areas like Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades, have forced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to postpone the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominations.
The institution made the announcement, emphasizing that the decision aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of the filmmaking community and everyone affected by this natural disaster.
2025 Oscar nominations postponed: What we know
In an official statement sent to its nearly 10,000 members, the Academy expressed its deepest condolences to those who have suffered losses due to the wildfires in Southern California.
The decision was made considering that many of its members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, one of the hardest-hit regions by the wildfires.
The Academy acknowledged the severity of the situation and the need to focus efforts on ensuring safety and providing support to those affected. Specifically, the Pacific Palisades wildfire has become the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, burning over 17,000 acres.
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When are the 2025 Oscar nominations? NEW DATE
Originally scheduled for January 17, the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominations has been postponed to January 19. This adjustment aims to give the community some relief and allow attention to focus on the emergency response to the California wildfires.
The Academy also extended the voting deadline for its members to January 14 at 5:00 PM PT, providing additional time for participation in the selection process.
When is the 2025 Oscars ceremony?
The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 2.
How are the Palisades wildfires affecting the film industry?
The wildfires in Palisades and other Los Angeles areas have had a direct impact on the film industry. In addition to delaying the Oscar nominations, several movie premieres scheduled for this week have been canceled or postponed.
The wave of wildfires, which has claimed at least five lives and destroyed over 1,100 homes and structures, has created an emergency situation that has disrupted Hollywood’s agenda. Organizations like the Critics Choice Awards have also postponed their ceremonies, initially set for January 12 in Santa Monica, due to the California wildfires.
What schools have closed due to the Los Angeles wildfires?
The severity of the Los Angeles wildfires has led to the closure of numerous schools across the county. For the second consecutive day, school districts such as Alhambra, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Duarte, Garvey, Glendale, Glendora, La Canada, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Santa Monica Malibu, South Pasadena, and Temple City have suspended classes.
LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) has also closed all its schools on January 9 and is providing regular updates on its website. Ensuring the safety of students and staff is the top priority during this emergency.
Los Angeles, California wildfires TODAY
The Palisades Fire, along with four other active fires in the region (Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, and Sunset), has mobilized thousands of firefighters working tirelessly to contain the flames. The National Weather Service has forecasted the arrival of new Santa Ana winds, which increase the fire risk across most of Los Angeles for the remainder of the week. Authorities have issued alerts and remain on high alert to respond to this crisis as it evolves.
The Sunset Fire, which erupted in the Hollywood Hills, has triggered new evacuations in areas like Hollywood Boulevard and Runyon Canyon Park, heightening the apocalyptic atmosphere in the city.