Academy says Oscars will go on as planned and ‘honor’ LA amid fires
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Letter from Academy leadership also says show will ‘move away’ from live performances to celebrate songwriters. The Oscars will go on as planned in March, though with special accommodations to acknowledge to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, according to a new update from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A letter from the CEO, Bill Kramer, and president Janet Yang, sent to all members on Wednesday, confirmed that the ceremony will “celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires”.
“We will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century,” the letter continued. “We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry.”.
The Academy also announced that it would “move away” from live performances during the broadcast in favor of honoring the songwriters. Typically, the three-plus-hour show features live performances of each nominated song, even though the performers are not often the credited songwriters listed on the nomination.
Instead of live music, the ceremony will “celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life”, the letter said. “All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”.
