The devastating Los Angeles wildfires have threatened to disrupt the prestigious Oscars for the first time in 96 years. The apocalyptic fires have caused evacuations and loss of life, prompting the Academy to consider the 'possibility' of cancelling the 97th Oscars ceremony.
A contingency strategy is in place as the city continues to grapple with immense devastation.
The report from The Sun reveals that the Oscars board is deeply concerned about appearing celebratory amidst the widespread suffering in LA.
“The board’s main concern at this time is to not appear as if they are celebrating while many Angelenos are dealing with heartbreak and unimaginable loss,” said an insider.
“Even if the fires were to subside in the next week, the reality is that the city is still hurting and will continue to deal with that pain for months,” he added.
Following the postponement of the 2021 Oscars due to the pandemic, the Academy has implemented a “contingency strategy” for the first time since the aftermath of 9/11.
Celebrities like Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, and Steven Spielberg are closely monitoring the situation in LA.
In response to the severity of the crisis, even the Oscars’ renowned £140,000 ($171,000) goody bags have been scrapped.
These included lavish offerings such as a three-night stay in the Swiss Alps, beauty treatments, jewellery, and a £1,000 ($1,220) barbecue grill, which have now been deemed “in bad taste” by the board.
The Academy has extended the nomination voting period to 17 January and will announce the nominees at a virtual event on 23 January.
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