As wildfires spread across Los Angeles, the Screen Actors Guild responds with critical changes to ensure safety by cancelling an event announcing nominees. Here's what you need to know.
- Jan 8, 2025
AceShowbiz - The SAG Awards have announced the cancellation of their in-person nominations event scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles.
The rampant spread of fires, fueled by severe Santa Ana winds exceeding 100 mph, has forced organizers to prioritize the safety of attendees. Originally slated to be streamed live on Netflix, the nominations will now be unveiled via press release and the SAG Awards website at 7:30 am PT.
"In an abundance of caution for the safety of our presenters, guests, and staff, the live in-person 31st Annual SAG Awards nominations announcement has been cancelled due to the wildfires and adverse wind conditions in Los Angeles," read a statement from the SAG Awards organizers late Tuesday.
They added, "We look forward to celebrating these incredible actors and their work at the SAG Awards ceremony on February 23. In the meantime, we urge everyone to stay safe, and thank you for your continued support."
Initially, actress Joey King and actor Cooper Koch were set to reveal the nominations. However, the ongoing emergency has reshuffled those plans. The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards is still scheduled to stream live globally on Netflix on February 23 from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.
The wildfires have led to the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents and are affecting areas like Malibu, Calabasas, Pasadena, and Altadena. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help firefighting efforts. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the Palisades Fire has consumed 2,920 acres by Tuesday evening.
Many Hollywood celebrities have been affected, including Hailey Bieber, who called for prayers, and Julianne Hough, who shared alarming footage of firefighting aircraft. Even more stars, such as James Woods, Eugene Levy, and the Kardashian family, are dealing with evacuations. Spencer and Heidi Pratt have reportedly lost their home to the flames, despite being safely evacuated earlier.
In addition to the SAG Awards adjustments, Hollywood premieres for "Unstoppable," "Wolf Man," "Better Man," and "The Pitt" have been canceled. Similarly, Prime Video's "Fallout," which films in Santa Clarita, has postponed its production schedule as a safety measure.
The wildfires have had a wide-reaching impact on the Los Angeles community, making safety a top priority. As the city braces for the worst, the SAG Awards and the Hollywood industry adapt to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
