The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced updates to its timeline for the 97th Oscars, extending the voting period and rescheduling key events in response to the ongoing wildfires impacting Los Angeles.
The deadline for nominations voting, initially set for Tuesday, Jan. 14, has been extended until Friday, Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. PT. The announcement of nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will now take place on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 a.m. PT, during a virtual event that will be streamed online. In-person media coverage of the event has been canceled due to safety concerns related to the fires. The 97th Oscars ceremony will still take place as originally scheduled on Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood.
In addition to the changes in voting and nominations, the Academy also revealed the cancellation of the traditional Oscar Nominees Luncheon, which was originally set for Monday, Feb. 10. The highly anticipated Scientific and Technical Awards, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18, will be postponed to a later date, with the new schedule yet to be announced.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship. Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members.”
The changes come as the fires continue to ravage parts of Southern California, causing widespread damage and forcing numerous evacuations. The fires have not only affected local communities but have also disrupted several major Los Angeles-area film premieres and events, leading many organizations in the entertainment industry to adjust their schedules.
To assist those impacted by the disaster, the Academy has pledged a $750,000 donation to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which provides financial assistance to members of the entertainment community in times of need. The donation reflects the Academy’s commitment to supporting both its members and the broader community during this challenging period.
The joint statement from Kramer and Yang emphasized the importance of adjusting the Academy’s schedule to accommodate the needs of its members and the broader Los Angeles community. “Additionally, as we want to be sensitive to the infrastructure and lodging needs of the region in these next few weeks, it is imperative that we make some changes to our schedule of events, which we believe will have the support of our industry,” the statement read.
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While these changes may disrupt the typical rhythm of awards season, the Academy remains focused on the larger goal of bringing the film industry together. “Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry,” the statement continued. “We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts. We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.”
The news of the rescheduling comes at a time when the film industry is preparing to celebrate an array of critically acclaimed films and performances that are expected to be among the top contenders for this year’s Oscars. Notable films generating buzz include Anora, Sean Baker’s dramedy starring Mikey Madison, Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated musical Wicked with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and Edward Berger’s religious thriller Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes. These projects are among the favorites in what is expected to be a competitive awards season.
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires, the Academy is pushing forward with its efforts to honor the talent and resilience of the film community. By adjusting its timeline and supporting those impacted by the disaster, the Academy is demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its members and the broader Los Angeles community.
The Academy’s response to the wildfires underscores the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines the entertainment industry. As the fires continue to affect large areas of Southern California, the industry’s collective efforts to support those in need serve as a reminder of the power of solidarity in times of crisis.
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2, and will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre, where Hollywood’s brightest stars will gather to celebrate the best in film.
