How the Oscars Can Shine a Light on L.A.’s Wildfire Tragedy

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As the destructive wildfires burn across Los Angeles, some people on social platforms are advocating for the postponement or cancellation of the forthcoming Academy Awards ceremony.

A U.K. tabloid inaccurately claimed that the Academy Awards committee was planning to cancel the event, but The Hollywood Reporter later debunked this claim and stated there’s no such advisory group. However, after talking to several nominees following the Oscar nominations, it’s evident that the show will proceed as planned, albeit with modifications to pay tribute to victims of recent tragedies.

The Academy concurs. Recently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences penned a missive to all its members regarding their upcoming Oscars event on March 2nd, detailing how they intend to pay tribute to Los Angeles during its current predicament.

Here, various potential nominees such as Demi Moore and Mikey Madison, along with directors like Coralie Fargeat of “The Substance” and Kelsey Mann from “Inside Out 2,” share their thoughts on the appropriate way forward for the Oscars, and why it’s crucial to make these changes.

Marc Platt (Producer, Wicked): 

As a devoted resident of Los Angeles, also known as Angeleno, it’s hard not to notice that our city has been affected by the recent fires. Everyone here, in one way or another, has felt the impact and gone through the difficult process of grieving. However, I believe an essential part of healing and moving on is gradually returning to normalcy. In this spirit, we are proud to present the touring show of Wicked at the Pantages Theatre. Due to the fires, we had to temporarily close and relocate our actors from their hotels in Hollywood to downtown. We debated whether it was appropriate to offer entertainment during such a challenging time for our community. But when we reopened, I addressed the audience, expressing our desire to progress. The crowd responded with applause, showing they too are eager to resume life. I remain optimistic that we can aid our fellow Angelenos in finding their way forward at the Oscars ceremony.

Demi Moore (Actress, The Substance)

A day after receiving my acting award at the Globes, everything closed down, leaving me without any power. I had to abandon my home. It’s incredibly humbling. All we can do is stay grounded in the present moment. It serves as a reminder of what truly matters. We need the boost that comes from recognizing those in our industry because that’s what our community thrives on.”

“Following my victory at the Globes, there was just one more day before everything went into lockdown. I found myself powerless and forced to evacuate my home. The experience is incredibly humbling. All we can do is stay rooted in the present. It’s a reminder of what truly counts. Our town needs the encouragement that comes from acknowledging those in our industry, as they are the foundation upon which it stands.

Coralie Fargeat (Director, The Substance) 

It’s been a heart-wrenching event. Since I don’t reside in L.A., there is a certain detachment I can maintain. However, I sense that in L.A., there’s a strong awareness and empathy towards the affected, allowing them time to cope and mourn. Yet, the decision to proceed with ceremonies might also serve as a means for those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the city, to avoid disruption. If handled sensitively, acknowledging the ongoing situation, I believe it’s a way to honor the diligence of all those working tirelessly on these events.

Kelsey Mann (Director, Inside Out 2) 

As someone who’s been through a similar ordeal, my heart resonates deeply with everyone currently facing their struggles. A few years back, a devastating wildfire hit our community in the Bay Area, forcing us to prepare for an unexpected evacuation. The emotions stirred during such times are intense, but witnessing the unity and resilience of our city was truly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that remind us we’re all part of a larger whole, a community that steps up to help each other in times of need. It’s a stark reminder of our shared humanity, reinforcing the power we hold when we come together and support one another during challenging periods.

Mikey Madison (Actress, Anora)

Born and raised in Los Angeles, it’s always felt like home to me. These recent fires have left my heart heavy with sorrow. I believe one way to pay tribute to the victims is by keeping our industry active and generating employment opportunities. In these tough times, people desperately need that stability.”

Both sentences convey essentially the same meaning but with a slightly different tone and word choice for readability.

Zoe Saldaña (Actress, Emilia Pérez)

This is a mix of sorrow and gratitude as our community in Los Angeles copes with the devastating losses from the relentless fires – homes, schools, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. My sympathies are extended to all those affected, and I want to express my endless love and admiration towards our brave first responders and everyone working tirelessly to help rebuild our city.

You can find this article in the January 29th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing by clicking here.

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2025-01-30 20:25