The raging wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area have disrupted several events, including the announcement of nominees for the 97th Academy Awards. Initially scheduled for January 17, the announcement has now been postponed to January 19, according to a statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In a letter to members, Academy Chief Executive Bill Kramer confirmed the change and announced that the voting deadline for Oscar nominations has been extended by two days, now concluding on January 14. The adjustment comes as the wildfires have forced closures and cancellations across the region, impacting various industries and organisations.
The decision reflects the Academy’s efforts to ensure a smooth process despite the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis. The 97th Academy Awards are set to take place later this year, celebrating excellence in the film industry.
The Los Angeles Times on Thursday reported that much of Los Angeles County remains under a red flag warning and much of Ventura County through Thursday, with forecasters warning of critical fire weather to last through Friday night. On Thursday firefighters were continuing to fight the Palisades fire, which has burned more than 17,000 acres, and the Eaton fire that burned through Pasadena and Altadena areas, charring more than 10,000 acres.
Five people have died in the Eaton fire, and several others have been seriously injured. At least 130,000 residents are under evacuation orders because of the fires in Los Angeles County.
Unlike the catastrophic conditions on Tuesday night, where gusts of up to 100 mph were recorded, on Wednesday night, aircraft were able to make water drops on the Sunset fire. Officials initially ordered a mandatory evacuation of a swath of Hollywood – north of Hollywood Boulevard – but later cancelled most of the evacuation orders. Officials urged people to still be vigilant. By Thursday afternoon, winds are expected to bump back up along the region’s Santa Ana wind corridors, with gusts from the northeast of up to 40 mph, and isolated gusts of up to 70 mph.
Winds should peak Thursday evening into early Friday morning, the weather service said. The weather service warned that foothills facing the south could face erratic winds, “which may lead to chaotic fire growth.”
