The devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, including the affluent Pacific Palisades area, have brought Hollywood to a standstill. Film and television productions across the city have been forced to halt, and several high-profile awards season events have been postponed or canceled due to the ongoing crisis.
The Critics Choice Awards, initially scheduled for this Sunday in Santa Monica, have been rescheduled to January 26. The Barker Hangar, where the event was set to take place, is located near the Pacific Palisades, an area heavily impacted by the fires. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, and more than 5,000 acres have burned, with evacuation orders extending into Santa Monica.
“This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” stated Critics Choice Awards CEO Joey Berlin.
The Critics Choice Awards was set to be the second major televised event of the awards season, following the Golden Globes.
Disruptions to Key Hollywood Events
Several other notable events have also been affected:
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: In-person nominations were canceled and announced via press release instead.
- AFI Awards Luncheon: Scheduled for January 10, this event will be rescheduled.
- BAFTA Tea Party: Initially planned for January 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, the event has been canceled.
- Academy Awards: The Oscars nomination announcement has been pushed back from January 17 to January 19, with the voting window extended to accommodate Academy members affected by the fires.
Production Shutdowns Across LA
Television and film productions have come to a halt due to hazardous conditions caused by high winds and heavy smoke. Among the productions paused are:
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Hacks
- Suits L.A.
- NCIS
- The Price Is Right
Late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and After Midnight have also ceased production, with decisions pending for future episodes.
As the fires continue to spread, the situation remains dire, with emergency services battling to control the flames and safeguard residents. Hollywood and the broader Los Angeles community are bracing for further disruptions while expressing solidarity with those directly affected by this disaster.
