Maintaining Resilience and Responsibility
As the entertainment industry grapples with the devastating impact of the wildfires in Los Angeles, the decision-makers behind the Grammys and Oscars have been tasked with the challenging task of determining how to proceed with award season. While the temptation to cancel or postpone these high-profile events may seem prudent, the reality is that these shows provide crucial income and support for thousands of workers integral to the industry.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else,” remarked Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and chair of the board of Trustees Tammy Hurt in a letter to their members.
With this sentiment in mind, the Grammys have announced they will move forward as planned on February 2, but with a renewed focus on honoring first responders and raising funds for fire relief efforts.
Similarly, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has stated its commitment to “standing together in the face of hardship” and plans to use the Oscars ceremony on March 2 as a platform to “honor our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts.”
Rescheduling and Adaptation
While the Grammys and Oscars forge ahead, other award season events have opted to postpone their programs out of concern for those affected by the wildfires.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for January 12, have been rescheduled to take place at the end of the month. The Producers Guild Awards have also delayed their nominations announcement, and the Writers Guild Awards have postponed their nominations “until further notice.”
The Oscars, in particular, have had to make several adjustments to their timeline, including extending the voting period and rescheduling the nominations announcement to be held virtually on January 23. The annual Oscars nominees luncheon has also been cancelled this year.
Cleanup and Recovery Efforts
As the entertainment industry navigates this challenging period, officials in Los Angeles are working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the wildfires. According to sources familiar with the situation, the cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to be extensive and long-lasting.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a letter to their members. “The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry.”
Through the coordinated efforts of the Recording Academy, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and other industry organizations, the entertainment community is poised to come together, support those in need, and demonstrate the resilience that defines the city of Los Angeles.
Hotels in the LA area may or may not be at capacity as companies like American Express and Hilton are offering free rooms to those impacted by the wildfires.
To that end there is a good chance you may be staying at a hotel that is housing residents from the wildfires during your stay. Considering how sleazy landlords in the LA area are profiting from the dire need of these wildfire victims by raising rental rates at double and even more from what they previously charged, it’s good to know wildlfire victims have other options.