Esteemed author Stephen King has called for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to cancel the 97th annual Oscars award ceremony in response to the ongoing wildfires devastating Los Angeles.
As reported by Deadline, King announced he would not be voting in the awards this year and suggested they should be cancelled, stating there's "no glitz" in Los Angeles amid the fires. The wildfires, which began on January 7, have tragically claimed at least 27 lives and continue to burn.
"Not voting in the Oscars this year," King shared on Bluesky. "In my honest opinion, they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire."
Stephen King. Image credit: Matthew Tsang / Getty Images.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on January 13 adjustments to its 2025 schedule due to the fires, but has not indicated any plans to cancel the ceremony entirely. The Oscars nominee luncheon was cancelled, however.
In response to the situation, the voting period was extended until January 17, and the nominations announcement has been rescheduled for January 23. The 97th Oscars ceremony is still set to occur on March 2.
"We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community," said CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in a statement accompanying the schedule changes. "The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship."
