Esteemed author Stephen King has publicly urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to cancel the upcoming 97th annual Oscars due to the ongoing wildfires devastating Los Angeles. In a statement reported by Deadline, King expressed his decision not to participate in the voting process this year, emphasizing that the city's current state strips away any semblance of "glitz" associated with the awards. The tragic fires, which erupted on January 7, have claimed at least 27 lives and continue to wreak havoc across the region.
"Not voting in the Oscars this year," King stated on Bluesky. "In my honest opinion, they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire."
In response to the crisis, the Academy announced on January 13 that it would adjust its 2025 schedule, although no decision has been made to cancel the event entirely. The Oscars nominee luncheon has been canceled, and the voting period has been extended until January 17. The announcement of nominations will now occur on January 23, with the ceremony itself still scheduled for March 2.
"We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community," remarked CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in a statement accompanying the schedule changes. "The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship."
