Oscars could be cancelled for first time in 96 years due to LA fires

The official committee is closely monitoring the situation after wildfires in California.

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The Academy Awards ceremony, set to mark its 96th year, could be cancelled for the first time in its history due to the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.

The official committee is closely monitoring the situation after LA fires, which has already claimed at least 25 lives, with the death toll expected to rise as emergency crews continue their efforts.

Stars including Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg are reportedly aware of the escalating situation, but organisers fear it may be inappropriate to hold a celebratory event while many in Los Angeles are facing tragedy.

A source revealed, “The board’s main concern at this time is to not look like they are celebrating while many Los Angelenos are dealing with heartbreak and unimaginable loss."

Even if the fires were to subside soon, it is feared that the city will continue to struggle in the months ahead. The Academy has indicated that any plans for the event will be adapted to focus on fundraising and support, should the situation worsen.

The potential cancellation comes after several high-profile celebrity events were called off in the past 72 hours due to the fires.

The Oscars’ committee has also acknowledged that, if the wildfires persist, the event could face catastrophic disruptions in Los Angeles and Hollywood, where the awards are traditionally held.

If the ceremony proceeds, the customary goody bags, valued at £140,000 ($171,000), will be omitted. These include items such as jewellery, luxury stays, and beauty treatments, which have been deemed insensitive under the current circumstances.

The emergency contingency plans, which were last activated during the Covid-19 pandemic, are now being revisited, with the possibility that the ceremony might be postponed rather than cancelled altogether, as occurred in 2021.

The wildfires have affected Hollywood figures personally, with the homes of stars including Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal destroyed. Other celebrities have been evacuated from their properties.

Despite the controversy surrounding the event, a report from The Hollywood Reporter denied claims of a potential cancellation.

According to their sources, the Academy has not formed any advisory committee to discuss such a move and insists that any adjustments to the ceremony would involve detailed discussions with ABC, the Oscars' long-time broadcast partner.

The ongoing fires have forced over 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes, with 88,000 still under evacuation orders. Emergency services continue to search for survivors amidst the destruction.