The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced changes to the 2025 Oscars dates due to the devastating Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst wildfires that destroyed more than 38,600 acres and impacted the lives of thousands of Los Angeles residents. At least two dozen people have died in the fires, and as of January 13th, 23 people have been reported missing.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community. The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship. Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “Additionally, as we want to be sensitive to the infrastructure and lodging needs of the region in these next few weeks, it is imperative that we make some changes to our schedule of events, which we believe will have the support of our industry.
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. We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts. We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.”
The 97th Oscars remain scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025. Dates that have been changed due to the fires include:
- The nominations voting period is extended through Friday, January 17, at 5pm PT.
- The Oscars Nominations Announcement is rescheduled for Thursday, January 23, at 5:30am PT. The live announcement will be a virtual event without in-person media coverage.
- The annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon, scheduled for Monday, February 10, will not be held this year.
- The Scientific and Technical Awards, scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, will be rescheduled to a later date yet to be determined.
The Grammys will also be sticking to their original date of February 2, 2025. However, Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and the chair of the academy’s board of trustees Tammy Hurt issued a statement with their response to the impact on the LA community:
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days. In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned. This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival will proceed as planned, with Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO, and Eugene Hernandez, Director, Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming releasing a joint statement:
“First and foremost, our hearts are with everyone in our Sundance Institute community and with all affected by the unfolding tragedy. Please know that you are not alone right now; our thoughts are with you in Southern California and beyond.
Over the past few days, we’ve had many conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners, and staff. The losses we’re witnessing and so many are experiencing are hard to fathom and deeply emotional. Yet, as we continue planning for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival—just 10 days away—we’re moved by the resilience amidst the devastating loss.
You are vital, vibrant members of our Sundance community, and we know that many of you have been and are being impacted by the ongoing tragic fires. Our community has a history of coming together when passion and perseverance are needed most, drawing strength from the deep bonds that make us so resilient.
Right now, we may mourn, but we also know it is important to carry on. Soon, we’ll gather for Sundance’s 41st Festival to discover a new year of films and filmmakers. Despite the challenges so many are confronting, we’re making our final preparations for this year’s Festival, as in times like these, our mission to support artists, uplift their work, and connect to communities is paramount. While it may challenge us in many ways, coming together will also empower and inspire us as we look to our future.”
The 2025 festival runs January 23rd through February 2nd.
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