Oscar nominations postponed; voting deadline extended amid Los Angeles wildfires

Oscar nomination voting extended to January 14; wildfires in Los Angeles disrupt events.

The devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles have prompted significant disruptions in the entertainment industry, including changes to the Oscars schedule. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the voting deadline for nominations has been extended to January 14, with the nominee announcement now set for January 19. Originally scheduled to close on January 12, the voting extension aims to accommodate members affected by the crisis.

In light of the ongoing wildfires, the Academy has emphasized its support for those impacted. Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed condolences, stating, "We want to offer our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fires across Southern California. Many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you."

The wildfires, described as the most destructive in Los Angeles County history, have claimed at least five lives, left many injured, and destroyed over 1,000 structures. The Palisades Fire near Malibu and Santa Monica continues to pose significant challenges for local residents and emergency responders.

The crisis has also disrupted numerous industry events. The International Feature Shortlist Screening, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed, while the Sound Branch and Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch Bake-Offs planned for January 11 have been canceled. Similarly, the Visual Effects Branch Bake-Offs across Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area have been called off.

Despite these setbacks, the 2025 Oscars ceremony remains on schedule for March 2, with comedian Conan O’Brien confirmed as the host. However, the wildfires underscore the fragility of such plans, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the industry during this period.