CNN
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As they say in Hollywood, the show must go on.
On Monday, it was announced that the Grammys and Oscars would go ahead as scheduled on February 2 and March 2, respectively, answering a question that has been debated behind the scenes by decision-makers tasked with determining how to proceed with awards season as Los Angeles Angeles is battling devastating wildfires.
Some stars, like Jean Smart and Patricia Arquette, have called for awards shows to be canceled or redirected to charity telethons to raise money for the fires.
Awards season – the Golden Globes, Grammys, SAG Awards, Oscars and more – is a big time in Hollywood. Watching high-paid stars take to the stage to reap rewards while thousands of Los Angeles families are displaced and lost their homes risks turning deaf, but economically, these shows also provide income for thousands of entertainment workers, from caterers to drivers to lighting. professionals who are an integral part of the industry.
The Grammys are the first show to announce that they will take place amid the wildfires, but the show will be reimagined to spotlight first responders and will also include a charity component.
“In difficult times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and board chair said Monday of the Recording Academy, Tammy Hurt, in a letter addressed to the members of the Recording Academy. “The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community, but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”
The letter says the show will go ahead as planned in close coordination with local authorities to “ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources,” and that the ceremony “will carry a renewed meaning: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts. and honor the courage and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.
Last week, the Recording Academy and its charitable arm, MusiCares, launched the Los Angeles wildfire relief effort with an initial $1 million donation to support creatives and music professionals. Today, with additional contributions, the Foundation has distributed more than $2 million in emergency assistance and will continue its ongoing efforts.
The Grammys are the next big televised awards show which will air on February 2.
The Critics Choice Awards on E! were scheduled to be hosted by Chelsea Handler on Jan. 12 in Santa Monica — an area near the Palisades fire — but were postponed last week. They are currently scheduled to take place at the end of January.
The Oscars have a longer timeline to determine next steps. The show is currently scheduled to premiere on March 2, the Academy announced Monday.
Oscar voting has also been extended until January 17, and the announcement of nominations has been delayed until January 23 and will take place virtually rather than in person. (Last week, the Academy had already pushed back the voting window and nominations.)
The Oscar nominees luncheon, where nominees are celebrated, was canceled this year.
“We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound loss suffered by so many members of 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 challenges,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet said Monday Yang, in a letter to members.
“Our members still share the importance of us coming together as a community, and we are committed to taking this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry,” the letter adds. “We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who contributed to the fires, recognizing those affected and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting relief efforts.” »
Like CNN reported last weekmany key awards season events have been postponed. The annual AFI Awards luncheon, which was due to take place on January 10, will be postponed and the annual BAFTA Tea Party has been canceled.
Over the weekend, the Producers Guild Awards postponed the announcement of their nominations for the second time “out of care and concern for those who have been affected by the fires.” And on Monday, the Writers Guild Awards postponed its nominations “until further notice” due to the ongoing fires, the organization said in a statement to CNN.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards are scheduled for February 23. Last week, the actors union donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to fight the fires.