Will Oscars be canceled for first time in 96 years
What's the story
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has firmly dismissed rumors that the 97th Academy Awards, set for March 2, would be canceled.
The speculations were first reported by UK tabloid The Sun on Wednesday, claiming the Academy was secretly planning to cancel or significantly alter the ceremony due to ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
However, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed from senior Academy figures that no such plan is under consideration.
Clarification
'No such advisory committee exists'
The Sun's report suggested that an advisory committee, including celebrities like Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg, was closely monitoring the situation daily.
However, THR has confirmed no such advisory committee exists.
The only body currently evaluating how to move forward is the Academy's 55-person board of governors.
This board recently announced the date of the Oscars ceremony will remain unchanged despite the wildfires.
Fundraising
Academy's focus has shifted toward support and fundraising
An insider quoted by The Sun said, "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."
"Therefore, the hierarchy has decided that the focus will shift toward support and fundraising when the right opportunities present themselves."
The report also said that even if the Oscars awards ceremony happens, goody bags worth $171K will be scrapped as they have been deemed "in bad taste."
Adjustments
Academy's board of governors made adjustments due to wildfires
While the Oscar ceremony date remains unchanged, the board of governors has made several changes in light of the wildfires.
These include extending the Oscar nominations voting window to January 17, delaying the announcement of Oscar nominations to January 23, canceling this year's Oscar Nominees Luncheon, and postponing the Scientific and Technical Awards.
Any changes to the Oscars ceremony would require extensive consultation between the Academy and its longtime broadcasting partner ABC.
Information
Widespread devastation caused by massive wildfires
The devastating LA wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Among the numerous properties destroyed are the homes of several A-list celebrities, including Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton. The fires have caused widespread devastation, leaving countless residents displaced.