Categories: US News

Oscars face first-ever cancellation as LA wildfire crisis deepens

The iconic Oscars ceremony faces potential cancellation for the first time in its 96-year history due to the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.

With 24 confirmed deaths and over 200,000 residents displaced, the event’s future hangs in the balance as officials prioritize community support over celebration.

FILE – Oscar statuettes appear backstage at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2016. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

Stars Monitor Situation Closely

Academy Award committees, including prominent figures like Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Meryl Streep, are monitoring the situation daily. An insider revealed, “The focus is on supporting those affected rather than hosting a lavish event.” Even if the ceremony proceeds, luxury goody bags worth $171,000 have been scrapped to avoid appearing out of touch.

Hollywood Unites Amid Tragedy

Many A-listers, including Paris Hilton and Anthony Hopkins, have lost homes in the fires, while others have evacuated. Some, like singer Annie Lennox, are volunteering to aid victims. The wildfires have also forced the cancellation of nominee announcements and traditional luncheons.

Oscars’ Contingency Plan in Motion

The Academy has activated a “contingency strategy,” developed after 9/11, to address life-changing events that could impact the ceremony. While the awards generate millions in revenue, insiders emphasize that any celebration amidst this disaster would be in “bad taste.” With the fires showing no signs of abating, the future of Hollywood’s biggest night remains uncertain.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.

Published by
Herbert Bauernebel

Recent Posts

How to Block Annoying Spam Calls

LONDON – In today's digital age, the rise of unwanted phone calls has become a…

4 minutes ago

Measles scare at LAX as infected passenger triggers health alert

Health officials have issued a warning after a passenger arriving at Los Angeles International Airport…

8 minutes ago

Renowned Actor Gene Hackman Dies at 95

Gene Hackman, the esteemed and versatile Oscar-winning actor known for his compelling performances, has been…

18 minutes ago

Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and wife found dead in Santa Fe home

In a shocking turn of events, authorities found legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his…

23 minutes ago

North Korea-linked hackers nab $1.5B in crypto heist

In a significant incident of cryptocurrency theft, hackers linked to North Korea have been accused…

24 minutes ago

Katy Perry, Gayle King set for Blue Origin with Lauren Sanchez

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An all-female crew, including well-known personalities Katy Perry and Gayle King,…

38 minutes ago