The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made crucial adjustments to its Oscar events in response to the devastating wildfires affecting the Los Angeles region. In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their sorrow over the extensive damage and losses experienced by the community, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to support those affected during this crisis.

To assist its members during these challenging times, the Academy has extended the voting period for Oscar nominations until January 17 at 5:00 PM PST. This follows an earlier adjustment when the deadline was postponed from January 12 to January 14 after the fires began. The announcement of the nominations has also been rescheduled and will now take place virtually on January 23 at 5:30 AM PST, eliminating in-person media coverage to honor those impacted by the wildfires.

Furthermore, the annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, originally set for February 10, has been canceled, and the date for the Scientific and Technical Awards—originally planned for February 18—will be announced later. Despite these changes, the 97th Oscars ceremony is still confirmed to occur on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood.

Kramer and Yang stressed the importance of coming together as a community during these trying times, emphasizing plans to honor frontline workers who have contributed to firefighting efforts. They expressed a heartfelt determination to foster unity and hope within the industry, stating that they aim to “bring a sense of healing to our global film community.”

This response from the Academy parallels the broader spirit of support seen within various communities facing adversity. Similar initiatives have emerged nationwide, such as prayer gatherings and support sessions, which demonstrate a shared commitment to compassion and recovery. The Academy’s proactive measures serve not only to celebrate cinematic achievements but also to extend vital support during a period that calls for collective resilience.

As the film industry adapts to these circumstances, there remains an optimistic outlook for healing and solidarity, reminding us that even in the face of hardship, the strength of community can inspire positive action and recovery.