As they say in Hollywood, the show must go on.
On Monday (13), it was announced that both the Grammys and Oscars would go ahead as planned on February 2 and March 2respectively, answering a question that has been debated behind the scenes by decision-makers tasked with figuring out how to proceed with awards season while Los Angeles battles devastating wildfires.
Some stars, including Jean Smart and Patricia Arquette, called for awards shows to be canceled in lieu of charity telethons to raise funds for the fires.
Awards season — Golden Globes, Grammys, SAG Awards, Oscars and more — is a time of glamor in Hollywood. Watching high-paid stars take the stage to accept awards while thousands of Los Angeles families are displaced and at risk of going deaf, but economically, these events also provide income for thousands of entertainment workers, from caterers to drivers and entertainment professionals. lighting that are essential for the industry.
O Grammy is the first to announce that mass ceremony will be reinvented to put the spotlight on first responders and will also include a charitable component.
“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and board chair Tammy Hurt in a letter to Recording Academy members. Academy on Monday (13).
“The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our musical community, but will also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”
The letter said the event will proceed as planned in close coordination with local authorities to “ensure public safety and the responsible use of area resources,” and that the ceremony will “carry a renewed sense of purpose: to raise additional funds to support the wildfire relief efforts and honor the bravery and dedication of the first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
Last week, the Recording Academy and its charitable arm, MusiCares, launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with an initial donation of $1 million to support music professionals and creatives. Now, with additional contributions, it has distributed more than $2 million in emergency aid and will continue its ongoing efforts.
The Grammys are the next major televised awards event to air on February 2. The Critics Choice Awards on E! was scheduled to be hosted by Chelsea Handler on January 12 in Santa Monica — an area near the Palisades Fire — but was postponed last week. They are scheduled to take place at the end of January. The Oscars have a longer timeline to determine next steps.
Hollywood’s top awards ceremony is scheduled to go ahead on March 2, the Academy announced Monday. , and the nominations announcement has been rescheduled for January 23 and will be held virtually instead of in person. The Oscar Nominees Luncheon, where nominees are honored, was canceled this year.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses suffered by so many in our community. The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to remaining united in the face of difficulties,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a letter to members on Monday. .
“Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry,” the letter added. “We are also looking forward to honoring our frontline workers who helped with the fires, recognizing those affected and encouraging people to join the Academy to support relief efforts.”
The is scheduled for February 23rd. Last week, the actors’ union donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation for wildfire relief.
