Reports of the Oscars’ first-ever cancellation due to LA wildfires are false, with the Academy confirming the event will proceed as scheduled.
January 17, 2025: The 2025 Oscars are not being canceled, contrary to recent rumors sparked by the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. A report from British tabloid The Sun had claimed that the Oscars might not be held for the first time in its 96-year history, citing a supposed “secret contingency strategy.” However, The Hollywood Reporter has categorically debunked these claims, quoting senior sources from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.
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What Sparked the Rumors?
The initial report alleged that the Academy, led by prominent stars like Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg, was monitoring the wildfire crisis and considering cancellation as a contingency. The tabloid stated, “The Oscars awards ceremony is on the verge of being cancelled for the first time in its 96-year history.”
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Academy Denies Speculation
Responding to the claims, sources from the Academy told The Hollywood Reporter that no such cancellation plans or advisory committees exist. “The Oscars ceremony, now 47 days away, will proceed as planned,” the publication stated, adding that the recent extension of the nomination window was unrelated to the wildfires.
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The Impact of LA Wildfires
The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant destruction, claiming the lives of at least 25 people and leaving many residents homeless. Celebrities such as Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton are among those who have lost their homes. While the crisis has undoubtedly disrupted life in the city, emergency services continue their efforts to mitigate the damage and locate missing persons.
Academy’s Commitment
Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, the Academy remains committed to holding the Oscars as planned. The prestigious event will once again celebrate the best in cinema, bringing together global stars and honoring outstanding achievements in filmmaking.
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Oscars 2025, Academy Awards, LA wildfires, Hollywood, Academy of Motion Pictures, award season, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Los Angeles news