Oscars 2025 Nominations Announcement Delayed Until January 23 Due To California Wildfires

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has delayed the announcement of Oscar nominations due to the ongoing wildfires in California. Originally set for an earlier date, the nominations will now be revealed on January 23. The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Janet Yang, expressed their sorrow over the fires' impact, stating, "We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community."

In light of these events, the Academy has also extended the voting period for its members until Friday. This extension allows more time for consideration amid the challenges posed by the fires. The annual nominees luncheon, known for its "class photos," has been cancelled this year as well.

Despite these changes, the 97th Oscars ceremony is still scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre. It will be broadcast live on ABC at 7 pm ET and streamed on Hulu. The Academy remains committed to holding this prestigious event despite recent disruptions.

The Scientific and Technical Awards, initially planned for February 18, will be rescheduled to a later date. This decision reflects the Academy's adaptability in response to unforeseen circumstances.

This is not the first time Oscar events have been postponed. In 2021, both nominations and the ceremony were delayed due to COVID-19. Historically, similar delays occurred in 1938 because of severe flooding in Los Angeles and in 1968 following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

Another notable delay happened in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan was shot. The ceremony was postponed by just one day, with this decision made only four hours before it was set to air.

The Academy's actions demonstrate its resilience and commitment to supporting its community during challenging times while ensuring that traditions continue as planned whenever possible.