Critics Choice Awards postponed to Jan. 26, multiple awards events canceled amid deadly L.A. wildfires
On Wednesday, as several fierce, wind-driven wildfires raged uncontrollably near Los Angeles, the awards season observed a moment of respect. Safety considerations overshadowed Hollywood’s usual activities, affecting key events and productions. This includes the Critics Choice Awards, which were set for this Sunday but have now been postponed two weeks to Jan. 26. Chelsea Handler will continue to host the ceremony, which will be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Also among the high-profile celebrations no longer taking place as scheduled are the annual AFI Awards Luncheon at the Four Seasons (slated for this Friday) and the yearly BAFTA Tea Party (scheduled for Saturday). The premieres of the movies Better Man and the Universal horror film Wolf Man were also canceled.
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On Wednesday, AFI issued a statement saying, “Considering the ongoing tragedies in Los Angeles, the sense of community we aim for at AFI AWARDS will not be attainable on Friday. Thus, we will postpone the event.” No new date has been announced.
The BAFTA Tea Party was completely canceled, an event that was set to occur at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.
“In light of the dangerous winds and wildfires in Los Angeles, we are canceling this weekend’s BAFTA Tea Party,” the statement began. The safety of our colleagues, friends, and peers in Los Angeles remains our utmost priority, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”
American Cinematheque has postponed its scheduled Fourth Annual Tribute to the Crafts Awards due to the ongoing tragedy of the fires. It was to have taken place Thursday night at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. NBCUniversal, which produces Hacks, the upcoming Suits: LA, and shows including Loot, Ted, and Happy’s Place with Reba McEntire, has shut down all production on those shows. And the live tapings of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, After Midnight, and The Price is Right will also cease for now, as per Gold Derby’s sister site IndieWire.
Additionally, CBS Studios has shut down production of NCIS, NCIS: Origins, and Poppa’s House due to the fires, while at Disney-20th, production has paused on Doctor Odyssey and Grey’s Anatomy.
Later in the day on Wednesday came word that the AARP’s annual Movies for Grownups Awards – slated for Saturday in Beverly Hills – had been postponed. It released the following statement: “Due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and in consideration of the families and communities impacted, we will postpone AARP’s Annual Movies for Grownups Awards originally scheduled to take place Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Beverly Hills. We extend our sympathies to all who are affected. AARP will provide a new date and time for the awards as soon as possible.”
Plus, a long-planned party arranged by Chairwoman Donna Langley and the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group scheduled for Friday evening was canceled. A message from Langley herself noted, “Given the devastation in Los Angeles and the surrounding area we are cancelling our event. There will be more moments to come together and celebrate as a community this awards season, but our primary focus at this time is your safety. Please take care.”
Also canceled are the premieres of the Pamela Anderson film The Last Showgirl and the Max medical drama The Pitt. On Tuesday, a premiere event at the DGA for the new movie Unstoppable was canceled, as was the live and in-person presentation of the SAG Awards nominations.
“We want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating fires affecting Los Angeles and surrounding areas,” the acting guild said in a press release announcing the 2025 SAG Awards nominees. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted — the residents, first responders, and all those working tirelessly to protect the community. Please consider donating to a charity to help those in need. To support impacted members of our artist community, donations can be made to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which operates a natural disaster relief fund.”
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