Oscars 2025 Faces Potential Cancellation For The First Time In 96 Years Amid Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis

Los Angeles wildfire crisis has now cast a shadow over the Oscars, with reports suggesting the iconic ceremony could be canceled for the first time in its 96-year history. 

Los Angeles wildfire crisis has now cast a shadow over the Oscars 2025.

Source : https://www.oscars.org/

Los Angeles is grappling with one of its most catastrophic wildfire, with flames consuming homes, displacing thousands, and claiming lives. The city’s turmoil has now cast a shadow over the Oscars, with reports suggesting the iconic ceremony could be canceled for the first time in its 96-year history. 

Oscar 2025 ceremony might get cancelled

A report in The Sun reveals that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is deliberating a course of action amid the devastation. “The board’s main concern at this time is to not appear as if they are celebrating while many Angelenos are dealing with heartbreak and unimaginable loss. Even if the fires were to subside in the next week, the reality is that the city is still hurting and will continue to deal with that pain for months. Therefore, the hierarchy has decided that the focus will shift toward support and fundraising when the right opportunities present themselves,” an insider told the publication.  

Contingency plans 

Despite significant global disruptions in the past, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Oscars have always managed to adapt, delaying events rather than canceling them. This time, however, the devastation in Los Angeles has prompted discussions of an unprecedented cancellation. 

The Academy is reportedly implementing a “contingency strategy” similar to measures taken after the September 11 attacks in 2001. While no official announcement has been made, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, and Steven Spielberg are closely monitoring developments in the city to decide whether the award ceremony should be cancelled or not. 

Changes to be made if Oscars 2025 doesn't get cancelled

If the ceremony does proceed, significant changes are anticipated. Lavish gift bags worth £140,000 ($171,000), traditionally featuring luxury perks like stays in the Swiss Alps, exclusive jewelry, and premium barbecue grills, are reportedly being scrapped. Board members have deemed these indulgences “in bad taste” given the current crisis. 

Additionally, the Academy has extended its nomination voting period to January 17, with the final list of nominees to be unveiled virtually on January 23. 

The wildfires have left a trail of destruction, with high-profile figures such as Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton among those who have lost their homes. As of now, 25 fatalities have been confirmed, with authorities fearing the death toll will rise as rescue operations continue. 

See Pics: Adam Broody To Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, Celebs Who Lost Homes In Pacific Palisades Wildfires