Grammys and Oscars to continue despite LA fires, highlighting first responders
In the entertainment capital of the world, the adage holds true: the show must indeed go on.
Monday's announcement confirmed that both the Grammys and Oscars would proceed on February 2 and March 2, respectively. This decision answers the ongoing deliberations by those orchestrating the awards season amidst the catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. Figures like Jean Smart and Patricia Arquette have advocated for transforming these ceremonies into charitable telethons to support wildfire relief.
Award season, encompassing the Golden Globes, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Oscars, is a time of glamour in Hollywood. Yet, staging such events while countless families in LA face displacement and devastation risks appearing insensitive. However, economically, these shows are vital, providing employment to myriad industry professionals, from caterers to lighting technicians.
The Grammys, the first of the major awards to confirm continuation amidst the crisis, will pivot to honor first responders and include a philanthropic element. "In challenging times, music possesses unique healing, comforting, and unifying powers," expressed Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board Chair Tammy Hurt in a letter to Academy members. The ceremony aims not only to celebrate artistic achievements but also to showcase the resilient spirit of Los Angeles.
The letter emphasized that the event would proceed in close collaboration with local authorities to prioritize public safety and judicious resource use. The ceremony will carry an additional mission: raising funds for wildfire relief and honoring the courage of first responders.
Recently, the Recording Academy, alongside its charitable division MusiCares, initiated the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million donation, now surpassing $2 million in aid. The Grammys will be the next significant award show airing on February 2.
The Critics Choice Awards, initially slated for January 12 in Santa Monica—a location near the Palisades fire—were postponed and are now expected to occur at January's end.
The Oscars, with more time to strategize, remain scheduled for March 2, as announced by the Academy on Monday. Voting for the Oscars has been extended to January 17, with nominations now slated for a virtual announcement on January 23. The traditional nominees luncheon has been canceled this year.
"Our hearts are heavy with the fires' impact and the profound losses within our community," wrote Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang in a letter. "The Academy has consistently been a unifying force, and we stand together in adversity," they added, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and resilience. They expressed a commitment to honor frontline workers and support relief initiatives.
As CNN noted, numerous key award season events face postponements. The annual AFI Awards luncheon, originally scheduled for January 10, will be rescheduled, and the BAFTA Tea Party stands canceled.
The Producers Guild Awards delayed their nominations announcement twice out of consideration for the wildfire-affected. Similarly, the Writers Guild Awards postponed their nominations indefinitely.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards are set for February 23. The actors' union recently contributed $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation for fire relief, demonstrating solidarity and support amidst the ongoing crisis.
