The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced Wednesday that it is postponing the release of its annual awards nominations to next week due to the devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles. The nominations, originally scheduled for this week, will now be unveiled on Monday, January 13, 2025.
“With Los Angeles under a state of emergency due to multiple wildfires, we will be delaying the announcement of nominees until Monday, January 13, 2025,” the WGA West and WGA East said in a joint statement.
The decision comes as the entertainment industry grapples with significant disruptions caused by the fires, which have ravaged areas including the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of Santa Monica and Pasadena. The fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, have also forced evacuations and led to hazardous air quality across the region.
Impact on Awards Season
The Writers Guild’s postponement is the latest in a series of schedule adjustments by major Hollywood organizations. Earlier today, the SAG Awards shifted from a live nomination announcement to a press release, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences extended its voting period and pushed back its Oscar nominations announcement to January 19. Additionally, the Critics Choice Awards, originally set for this Sunday in Santa Monica, have been postponed to January 26.
Despite the delay, the 77th annual Writers Guild Awards are still planned for February 15, with ceremonies taking place simultaneously at the Edison Ballroom in New York City and the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The event will honor Bill Lawrence, Scott Frank, and Kathy McGee as WGA East honorary award recipients.
Wildfire Crisis in Los Angeles
The wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, have burned thousands of acres, destroyed structures, and posed significant risks to densely populated areas. Emergency services continue to battle the blazes as residents and businesses adapt to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the Writers Guild and other organizations have expressed their commitment to prioritizing safety while continuing to celebrate the achievements of the entertainment industry during this challenging time.
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Windstorm fuels devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades
