Oscar Nominations Announcement Delayed For Second Consecutive Year Amid Southern California Wildfires
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, have been postponed for a second consecutive year. The decision, effective immediately, extends the voting period and delays the official announcement of nominees, originally scheduled for January 17th, to January 23rd.
The postponement is attributed to ongoing, devastating wildfires currently ravaging Southern California, officials confirmed. Academy CEO Bill Kramer cited the need to prioritize the safety of members, many of whom are under evacuation orders or directly impacted by the fires, as the primary reason for the schedule change. This marks the second year in a row the Oscars nominations have been delayed; last year's announcement was pushed back by two weeks due to the dual Hollywood strikes.
When asked if the ceremony, set for March 2nd, could also face a delay, representatives stated they are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve. The wildfires, which began last week, have resulted in at least 24 fatalities and destroyed hundreds of structures across Los Angeles County, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The news of the Oscar delay was met with mixed reactions, with some members expressing understanding of the safety concerns and others questioning the Academy's long-term planning amid recurring crises. The updated schedule is expected to affect campaign strategies for contenders, including major films such as Wicked and The Brutalist.