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2025 Oscars Postponed Due to Los Angeles Wildfires, Voting Extended
Jan
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced changes to its 2025 Oscars timeline due to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, which have devastated parts of Southern California and impacted numerous Hollywood industry professionals.
In a letter sent to Academy members on Wednesday, the Oscars governing body extended the nominations voting period by two days, allowing voters more time to submit their selections amid the disruptions caused by the fires. Originally set to close on Jan. 12, the voting window will now close at 5 p.m. PT on Jan. 14.
Nomination Announcement Delayed to Jan. 19
The new voting deadline has also pushed back the highly anticipated nominations announcement, which was initially scheduled for Jan. 17. The nominees will now be revealed on Sunday, Jan. 19.
The Academy expressed its condolences to those affected by the wildfires, acknowledging that many of its members live in the impacted areas. “We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California,” the letter read. “So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.”
Award Season Events Impacted by Fires
The wildfires have caused a ripple effect across the entertainment industry, forcing several high-profile events to be canceled or postponed:
- International Feature Film Shortlist screenings originally scheduled for this week have been delayed.
- Bake-Off presentations for the Sound, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists, and Visual Effects branches will now be available via the Academy’s internal streaming platform.
- The SAG Awards nomination announcement shifted to a virtual format instead of an in-person event.
- The Critics Choice Awards have been postponed from Jan. 12 to Jan. 26.
- The AFI Awards Luncheon was canceled entirely.
- Premieres for films like Wolf Man, Unstoppable, The Pitt, and Better Man were also scuttled.
A History of Oscars Delays
This isn’t the first time the Oscars have been forced to adjust their schedule due to unforeseen circumstances:
- In 1938, the ceremony was postponed due to a flood in Los Angeles.
- In 1968, the event was delayed following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- In 1981, the Oscars were postponed after an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
- Most recently, the 2021 Oscars were pushed from February to April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hollywood Halts Production Amid Fire Crisis
Several television productions also paused filming due to the hazardous air quality caused by the fires. Shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, Suits LA, and Hacks halted production to ensure the safety of their cast and crew.
Ceremony Date Still on Track for March 2
Despite the disruptions, the Academy remains committed to holding the Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025, as originally planned.
As Los Angeles grapples with the ongoing wildfires, the Academy’s swift action highlights the resilience of Hollywood‘s award season, ensuring that the show will go on — even if slightly delayed.