Renowned author Stephen King has urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to cancel the upcoming 97th Oscars ceremony due to the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.
As Deadline reports, King announced he's abstaining from voting this year and believes the awards should be postponed because the fires have left the city devoid of its usual glamor. The devastating blazes that ignited on January 7 have claimed at least 27 lives and continue to burn.
"Not participating in this year's Oscar votes," King stated in a Bluesky post. "In my view, they should cancel the ceremony. There's no place for Hollywood glitz while Los Angeles is ablaze."
The Academy announced schedule adjustments on January 13 due to the fires, including canceling the Oscars nominee luncheon, but hasn't indicated plans to cancel the actual ceremony.
The voting period was extended through January 17, with nominations now being announced on January 23. The 97th Oscars ceremony itself remains scheduled for March 2.
"We're heartbroken by the wildfires' destruction and the tremendous losses suffered across our community," said CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in their statement about the schedule changes. "As an organization that unites the film industry, we stand in solidarity during these difficult times."
