The Academy Awards will go ahead as planned in March, but with special accommodations to account for the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, according to a new update from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A letter from CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, sent to all members Wednesday, confirmed that the ceremony “will celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and recognize those who have fought so courageously against forest fires.”
“We will honor Los Angeles as the City of Dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, and its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for more than a century,” the letter continues. “We will reflect on recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity and optimism that define Los Angeles and our industry.”
The Academy also announced that it would “move away” from live performances during the broadcast in favor of honoring songwriters. Typically, the three-hour-plus show features live performances of each nominated song, although the performers are often not the credited songwriters listed on the nomination.
Instead of live music, the ceremony will “celebrate their artistry through the personal reflections of the teams who bring these songs to life,” the letter states. “All this and more will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.” »
The letter, sent a day before the nominations were revealed during a live broadcast hosted by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, promised “powerful musical moments that connect the film’s rich history with its bold and inspiring future.” Additionally, the Academy announced that its “Fab 5” moments, where “individual film artists recognize nominees,” would return.
The Oscars ceremony was one of many unanswered questions after wildfires, fueled by record drought and fierce Santa Ana winds, ravaged Los Angeles earlier this month, killing at least 28 people, destroying more of 14,000 structures and forcing more than 300,000 to evacuate. The fires significantly disrupted business in Hollywood and the awards season – the Critics Choice was delayed from January 12 to February 7, while the Oscars pushed back the voting window and postponed the announcement of nominations for a week.
Grammy organizers considered postponing the show, but decided to go ahead with their broadcast on February 2, but with “a renewed sense of purpose” and a fundraising goal for those affected. Several annual events surrounding “music’s biggest night” have, however, been canceled.
The Oscars ceremony will take place as planned on March 2, under the presidency of comedian Conan O’Brien.
