The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences strongly denied claims that the 97th Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 2, is in jeopardy of being canceled. The rumors started with a story from UK tabloid The Sun, suggesting that “secret contingency plans” were being prepared to cancel the event due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. However, The Hollywood Reporter has verified these allegations as being entirely baseless.
According to senior sources at the Academy, there is no plan to call off the ceremony. Contrary to the tabloid’s claims, there is no advisory committee, supposedly including Hollywood icons Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, making such decisions.
The only authoritative body handling Oscars-related matters is the Academy’s 55-person board of governors. While the wildfires have indeed led to some logistical changes—such as extending the nominations voting period and rescheduling the Oscar Nominees Luncheon—the ceremony itself is set to go ahead as planned.
The Academy has recognized the intensity of the wildfires, which have sadly claimed 25 lives and destroyed many homes, including those of celebrities Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton. In response, the leadership of the Academy is considering ways to contribute to fire relief efforts during the ceremony, so that the event will reflect a spirit of compassion and solidarity with those affected.
Despite the crisis that has been raging on, the Academy is bent on upholding the tradition of Oscars' resilience. Not even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was the ceremony suspended. According to insiders, Academy members are devoted to hosting the event, blending the celebration of cinematic achievements with empathy for the current hardships that many are going through.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, it has been reported that the items included in the event's lavish goody bags worth $171,000 will be dropped or reviewed. Spa treatments and luxury vacations, including visits to the Swiss Alps, have been reconsidered because they might not be appropriate at such times.
With nominees scheduled to be announced on January 23, the Academy is focused on ensuring that the 97th Oscars will be a dignified affair, honoring the best in film while also acknowledging the ongoing struggles of those impacted by the wildfires.