Last week, a series of wildfires struck Los Angeles that destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least 25 people. The devastation of the wildfires has certainly impacted award season with the WGA, PGA, and the 97th Academy Awards nominations postponed. Although this year’s Oscars will premiere in March, author Stephen King wants the annual event canceled due to the wildfires.
Stephen King’s book-adapted films have a long history with The Academy with films like Carrie, The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, and The Green Mile having received nominations. Also, Kathy Bates won her first Oscar for King’s Misery. This year because of the California wildfires, however, The Academy member announced on Bluesky where he stands with the Oscars:
“Not voting in the Oscars this year. IMHO they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”
Many Bluesky users sent backlash to Stephen King feeling that canceling The Academy Awards is not the way to go. One social media user pointed out that with all of the pauses that occurred in Hollywood, The Oscars doesn’t need to be next:
“The workers had months, YEARS without pay due to covid, then to union negotiations. And now the fires. You’re wrong in this one. Support the industry.”
Reasons included cast and crews deserving recognition for the hard work put into their movies. A lot of people also mentioned employees who earn their living through The Academy and the industries surrounding it.
Many suggest The Academy spread awareness of the Los Angeles fires and support relief efforts. Plus, The Oscars boosted Los Angeles’ economy by an estimated $170 million, according to Fortune.
Who else believes The Oscars should be canceled this year?
Stephen King isn’t the only one who thinks The Oscars should be around this year. This year’s Golden Globe winner, Jean Smart, wrote on her Instagram for Hollywood to withhold The Oscars and to donate to the wildfire victims and firefighters:
“With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and the firefighters.”
Jean Smart received a similar backlash to Stephen King for urging the awards show to be scrapped.
The 97th Academy Awards will still air on March 2nd with the announcement for the nominees on January 23rd.
