As the devastating wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, and a wave of cancellations and postponements has hit the entertainment industry. The fires, which began on Jan. 7, have prompted television shows, award ceremonies, and high-profile events to be rescheduled or called off entirely. With firefighters still battling the flames, the entertainment world has shown solidarity by halting various planned events as a show of support for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Among those speaking out was actress Jean Smart, who made a heartfelt plea on Instagram, urging networks to reconsider airing any awards shows this year. In her post, Smart suggested that the money typically spent on broadcasting these events should be donated to the victims of the fires and the firefighters working tirelessly to control them.
“ATTENTION! With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters,” Smart wrote on her Instagram account. The suggestion quickly garnered attention, with many fans and fellow industry professionals supporting her call for action.
Major Events Postponed or Canceled
The ripple effect of the fires on the entertainment industry has been significant. Many high-profile events and television tapings that were scheduled to take place in Los Angeles have been postponed or canceled. Below is a roundup of key events that have been affected:
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Critics Choice Awards
Originally set for Sunday, Jan. 12, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards will now be held on Jan. 26 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. The decision to postpone the event was made out of respect for those affected by the fires. Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin expressed his condolences, stating, “This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected.”
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Oscar Nominations, Voting, and WGA Nominations
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also announced that it would delay the release of Oscar nominations. The nominations, initially scheduled for Jan. 17, will now be announced on Jan. 19, with voting extended until Jan. 14. Like other industry groups, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) postponed its nomination announcements until Jan. 13, recognizing the difficulty the community is facing in light of the fires.
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America’s Got Talent Auditions
The upcoming auditions for America’s Got Talent in Pasadena, initially planned for Jan. 12, have been postponed. The show’s official Instagram account assured followers that safety is the top priority, and a new audition date will be announced soon.
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Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Jan. 8 taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live was canceled, with guests including Cynthia Erivo, Brian Jordan Alvarez, and Victoria Canal slated to appear. The cancellation reflects the ongoing difficulties many in the entertainment community are facing as the fires continue to spread.
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After Midnight
The CBS late-night show After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, also canceled its tapings for the week. Instead, the network opted to air reruns on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9.
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Production Shutdowns on TV Shows
A number of popular television shows halted production due to the ongoing fires. ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Doctor Odyssey were affected, along with CBS shows such as NCIS and NCIS: Origins. Additionally, NBCUniversal paused production on several series, including Hacks and Ted. The Warner Bros. studio lot also experienced a shutdown, impacting shows like Abbott Elementary and The Pitt.
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BAFTA Tea Party
The prestigious BAFTA Tea Party, scheduled for Jan. 13 in Beverly Hills, was called off due to the dangerous wildfire conditions. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, in a statement, expressed concern for the safety of their colleagues and peers, acknowledging the impact of the fires on the local community.
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AFI Awards Luncheon
The AFI Awards Luncheon, slated for Jan. 10, has also been postponed indefinitely. The American Film Institute (AFI) cited the tragic events unfolding in Los Angeles as the primary reason for the postponement, stating, “The spirit of community we strive for will be unachievable on Friday.”
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Premieres Canceled
Several film premieres have been canceled due to the fires, including the Jan. 7 Los Angeles debut of Unstoppable, starring Jennifer Lopez, and the premiere of The Last Showgirl, featuring Pamela Anderson, which was scheduled for Jan. 9. The TCL Chinese Theatre also saw the cancellation of its Wolf Man premiere, further emphasizing the disruption caused by the ongoing crisis.
Moving Forward
As the fires continue to burn through parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas, the entertainment industry is taking steps to support those affected by the disaster. Many organizations and celebrities have expressed their condolences and offered assistance, while some have echoed Jean Smart’s call for a change in how the entertainment industry celebrates during this difficult time.
In the midst of the tragedy, the people of Los Angeles have shown resilience and solidarity, with donations pouring in and volunteer efforts ramping up. However, it’s clear that the focus for the time being is on survival and recovery rather than the usual celebratory events that mark Hollywood’s calendar.
With major events rescheduled, production halted, and communities banding together, it remains to be seen how long the impact of the fires will be felt across the entertainment industry. But for now, the priority is clear: safety, recovery, and support for those whose lives have been altered by this devastating wildfire season.
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