Oscars 'likely to be cancelled for first time in 96 years' due to LA wildfires

LA wildfires: Daily Express speaks with firefighter

For the first time in 96 years, the iconic Oscars award ceremony is under threat of cancellation as the Los Angeles wildfires rage on. Academy Award officials are actively assessing the situation daily as the event draws near.

The city of Los Angeles has been hit hard by the fires, with countless people losing homes and livelihoods. There's a growing sentiment that to proceed with the celebration might strike the wrong note during such a difficult time, sources suggest.

Already, the nomination process for this year's awards has faced setbacks. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voiced its concern for the welfare of its "many" members who have been impacted by the blazes, especially those residing in the Pacific Palisades where the fire has claimed several celebrity residences.

Consequently, the announcement of nominees for the 97th Academy Awards will now occur on January 19 instead of January 17, with the voting timeframe accordingly extended. The planned date for the 2025 Oscars remains March 3.

A source confided to The Sun: "The board's main concern at this time is to not look like they are celebrating while many Los Angelenos are dealing with heartbreak and unimaginable loss.

The Oscars could be cancelled for the first time in 96 years. (Image: Getty)

"And certainly, even if the fires went out in the next week, the reality is that the city is still hurting and will be dealing with that pain for months. So the hierarchy decided that the focus will be support and fundraising when the right opportunities present themselves."

The wildfires have claimed 24 lives so far, with fears that the death toll may continue to rise. More than 200,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, and another 88,000 remain under evacuation orders, reports the Mirror.

Among the victims is Rory Callum Sykes, a British-born talent who died at the tender age of 32 in the Los Angeles inferno.

Despite being born blind and with cerebral palsy, Rory thrived in the media industry, featuring on TV shows like Kiddy Kapers as a youngster, subsequently releasing books and becoming a motivational speaker sharing his inspiring life story.

The 2025 Academy Awards were scheduled to take place on March 3. (Image: Getty)

In an emotional interview with Australia's 10 News First, his motherShelley recounted: "He was my baby, and he died needlessly. Guess what didn't work? 911. All the phone lines were down."

Amidst her own battle with injury, Shelley tragically revealed: "He said, 'Mum, leave me,' and no mum can leave their kid, and I've got a broken arm. I couldn't lift him. I couldn't move him."

The fires also took the life of Hollywood's Dalyce Curry, 95, affectionately known as Momma D by her loved ones. The actress, with credits in films such as The Blues Brothers, The Ten Commandments, and Lady Sings the Blues, was found in the ruins of her Altadena home after the Eaton Fire tore through it.

Shocking images have surfaced, revealing entire neighbourhoods decimated by the raging fires, families fleeing their homes and firefighters tirelessly battling the blaze.

The National Weather Service (NSW) has warned that the gusty Santa Ana winds are set to escalate this week, leading to rare Red Flag Warnings over the "particularly dangerous situation" - an alert typically issued for the most severe fire weather scenarios.