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Los Angeles. — The Academy Awards have pushed back a slew of key dates amid the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires.
The fires, which have been burning since Jan. 7, have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of structures across the LA area, including numerous landmarks and celebrity homes.
As a result, the Oscars have shifted back this year’s nominations until Jan. 23. The announcement, originally scheduled for Jan. 17, will be a virtual event with no in-person media coverage. Voting for this year’s nominations has also been extended until Jan. 17, from the previously scheduled Jan. 12. The Oscar nominees luncheon — where actors, filmmakers and craftspeople gather for an annual “class photo” — has been canceled entirely.
The Scientific and Technical Awards, which recognises moviemaking innovations, will no longer take place Feb. 18. It will be rescheduled for a later date to be determined.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community,”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang announced Monday in a joint statement.
“The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship.
“Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members.”
The Academy heads went on to share their desire to “come together as a community,” and use the awards as an opportunity “to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry.
“We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognising those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts.
“We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.”
When are the Oscars?
As of Monday, the Oscars ceremony is still scheduled to be held March 2.
Where are the Oscars?
The event will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, which was under mandatory evacuation orders last week amid the Sunset Fire, which has since been contained.
Who is hosting the Oscars?
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the show will air on ABC and stream live on Hulu —USA TODAY
Online Reporter