According to the latest reports, the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 27 lives, and entire neighborhoods have had to be evacuated. The disaster is also affecting the film industry, as Hollywood itself is located in Los Angeles, and many celebrities' homes have burned down, with local shoots being paused. The Academy has extended the deadline for Oscar voting, but Stephen King still refuses to cast his vote, arguing that it would be in poor taste to hold the gala under these circumstances.
"I won’t vote for the Oscars this year. Honestly, I think they should cancel it. There’s no place for extravagance when Los Angeles is burning," the author wrote on Bluesky. He later responded to counterarguments with another post: "I understand what you’re saying about the Oscars—that we’re celebrating life and the show must go on, blah-blah-blah, etc. To some extent, that’s valid, but to me, it still feels like when Nero played his fiddle while Rome burned. Or in this case: putting on fancy clothes while Los Angeles is on fire."
King isn't the only one who believes there’s no place for large-scale galas in the current situation. Due to the fire, the production of Hacks—the new season of Hacks - The Money Talks—has also been paused, and Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart posted on Instagram a few days ago: "Attention! I respectfully say that during Hollywood’s holiday season, I hope the networks airing the award shows seriously consider not broadcasting them, and instead donate the revenue they would have earned to the victims of the wildfire and the firefighters."
In contrast, Rosanna Arquette spoke to Variety about how she believes there’s now an even greater need for award shows, which could help celebrate not just the arts but also support others. "It’s about how art helps rebuild, inspires, and helps those who need it most. One night, I woke up and thought: ‘What if we did a Jerry Lewis-style TV fundraiser, just connecting it with the Oscars?’ Imagine Billy Crystal opening the show. He lost his home, but he’s the perfect person to create unity and remind us what we’re capable of when we come together."
