Oscars 2025 likely cancelled due to LA wildfires? The Academy clears the air

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or Oscars 2025 has confirmed that the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, will proceed as planned. Speculation regarding potential cancellation or postponement of the event has been dismissed as unfounded.

Oscars 2025 will proceed as scheduled

A recent report by The Sun suggested that the Academy was considering a cancellation, citing a “secret ‘contingency strategy’” and mentioning a committee including stars like Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg monitoring the situation. However, these claims have been categorically denied by senior Academy officials and individuals close to the celebrities, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

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The Academy’s 55-person board of governors includes members who have personally suffered losses due to the wildfires. They are currently evaluating how best to proceed with the ceremony. In light of the circumstances, they have already made adjustments to the Oscar schedule. It includes the cancellation of the annual nominees’ luncheon to accommodate the region’s infrastructure and lodging needs.

Official statement amid the LA wildfires

Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, and Janet Yang, President, expressed their heartfelt sorrow over the wildfires’ devastating impact on the community. They underscored the Academy’s role as a unifying force in the film industry during these trying times. They stated, “We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community.”

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The Oscars have never been cancelled in their 96-year history, not even during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ceremony was slightly postponed and held in a modified format. The event typically employs around 1,000 locals and is expected to be conducted with dignity, incorporating efforts to raise funds for fire relief.

The Oscars ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. It will be broadcast live on ABC and Hulu on March 2, with Conan O’Brien as the host. The event will commence with red carpet coverage, followed by the main ceremony.

Also Read: Oscars 2025 nominations announcement postponed again due to Los Angeles wildfires; nominees lunch cancelled- Deets inside