Kaylah Walton
The fierce wildfires in Los Angeles are causing major disruptions, especially to the entertainment sector. In response, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to postpone the announcement of nominations for the 97th Academy Awards and to extend the voting period.
The Oscar nomination announcement, originally planned for Friday, January 17, will now occur on Sunday, January 19. The voting period has also been extended from the original deadline of Sunday, January 12, to the new closing date of Tuesday, January 14.
In a touching message to Academy members, CEO Bill Kramer expressed his sympathy for those impacted by the fires. He detailed the rationale behind the extended voting period and the postponed nominations announcement, underscoring the Academy’s dedication to supporting its members facing these adversities.
Impact of the Wildfires
The wildfires have also resulted in the cancellation of in-person “bake-off” events for nominees in the sound, hair and makeup, and visual effects categories. These important evaluations will now shift to virtual meetings to maintain progress.
The entertainment industry has suffered extensively due to the wildfires, leading to numerous event postponements. The Academy’s adjustments regarding the Oscar nominations and voting timeline mirror the widespread challenges the sector faces during this crisis.
Nevertheless, the 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, are still on track for Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. As the industry comes together, their resilience and ability to adapt highlight the community’s strength amid tough times.
