Renowned author Stephen King has urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to postpone the 97th annual Academy Awards ceremony due to the ongoing devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
As reported by Deadline, King declared he wouldn't participate in this year's voting and believes the event should be postponed, citing the lack of celebratory atmosphere in a city grappling with the fires' impact. The fires, which started on January 7th, have tragically claimed at least 27 lives and continue to rage.
"Not voting in the Oscars this year," King stated in a Bluesky post. "Frankly, they should postpone them. No celebratory atmosphere with Los Angeles ablaze."
The voting deadline was extended to January 17th, and the nominations announcement is rescheduled for January 23rd. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony remains scheduled for March 2nd.
"We are deeply saddened by the impact of the fires and the significant losses suffered by many in our community," CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang said in a statement accompanying the schedule changes. "The Academy has always been a unifying force in the film industry, and we are dedicated to supporting each other during this difficult time."
