When the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles last Tuesday, the city’s awards season was in full motion. Just a couple of days prior, the Golden Globes had taken place, and a string of extravagant awards events were lined up to follow. However, the magnitude of the devastation in Southern California swiftly dampened the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the film industry.
At one point, the flames even threatened the area above the Dolby Theatre, the iconic venue for the Academy Awards. This crisis has struck a blow to an industry still reeling from the impacts of the pandemic, labor disruptions, and digital transformations. Once again, the Oscar ceremony faces the pressing question: Should it proceed, and what significance does it hold in times like these?
“Hacks” star Jean Smart, who recently won a Globe, expressed her thoughts on social media, suggesting that networks should consider not broadcasting the upcoming awards and instead donate potential revenues to those impacted by the fires. While the Oscars are still scheduled to take place, meaningful changes are anticipated due to the wildfires, with much of the usual red-carpet glamour expected to be minimized or canceled altogether. Given the widespread displacement caused by the fires, there seems to be little enthusiasm for the typical self-congratulatory displays of the season.
The focus has shifted to how the Oscars might serve as a symbol of resilience for a shaken Los Angeles. Although the awards could feel diminished, they may also take on increased importance as a representation of endurance amidst adversity for the film industry.
On Monday, the Academy announced that it would postpone its nominations announcement for the second time; now set for a virtual reveal on February 23. The traditional nominees luncheon has also been canceled, with plans to honor frontline workers and support relief initiatives being put in place. Bill Kramer, the Academy’s chief executive, together with president Janet Yang, expressed their commitment to navigating these challenges and fostering healing within the global film community.
The fires, recognized as one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, are ongoing and have so far claimed at least 25 lives. Such a dynamic crisis has necessitated continual adjustments to plans, with the Critics Choice Awards also being postponed. Nominations for the Producers Guild Awards have faced delays, with no new date announced yet. In a proactive step, the guild has created a fund aimed at assisting producers affected by the fires.
As for the 67th Grammy Awards, set for February 2 in downtown Los Angeles, those events will still take place, albeit with major adjustments. Harvey Mason Jr., the Recording Academy’s chief executive, alongside Board of Trustees chair Tammy Hurt, emphasized that this year’s ceremony will have a renewed purpose, focusing on raising additional funds for wildfire relief and honoring the emergency responders who put their lives on the line.
It is likely that some telethon-style elements will also be incorporated into the Oscars broadcast. Many in the industry have been proposing alternative approaches for the ceremony, reminiscent of the adjustments made for the 2021 Oscars which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the Academy Awards have seen shifts in scheduling, including a notable delay in 1938 due to extensive flooding in Los Angeles.
The wildfires have directly impacted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with four members of its board of governors reportedly losing their homes, including producer Lynette Howell Taylor and visual effects governor Brooke Breton. The Pacific Palisades area, significantly affected by the flames, has been home to numerous stars and industry executives.
Usually, this period would have nominees actively campaigning through Q&A sessions and other engagement activities related to the important nomination period. However, all such activities have come to a halt. Actress Isabella Rossellini, a frontrunner for best supporting actress for her role in “Conclave,” posted a poignant image on Instagram of an Oscar lying in ashes – a symbol that captured the somber mood enveloping Hollywood.
While several major television productions halted due to the wildfires, relatively few film projects were affected, reflecting a broader trend in the industry where many productions have sought tax incentives in other states. Following the strikes earlier in 2023, work within the film and TV sector has not fully rebounded, leaving numerous crew members unemployed. In light of the fires, actress Natalie Morales suggested that studios could repurpose their vacant soundstages into temporary classrooms built by out-of-work artisans for children who lost their schools.
This situation highlights the pressing need for employment within the film industry, including roles tied to the Oscars. The Academy Awards not only shine a light on several films that might not otherwise gain traction but also support numerous workers, stylists, and vendors within the industry.
Many individuals were already struggling to find work before the fires occurred, with Emmy-winning makeup artist Silvina Knight describing the crisis as yet another significant setback. Knight is currently involved with “Suits LA,” one of the shows that halted production because of the wildfires.
“I’m not sure how people will feel about dressing up when they just lost everything,” Knight remarked regarding the Oscars. However, she pondered that it could also serve as a display of fortitude as the industry comes together. Reflecting on a recent drive, she noted an unusual level of courtesy displayed among drivers in Los Angeles, suggesting a sense of community in the face of disaster.
