Rumors swirled just hours after whispers emerged suggesting that the prestigious 97th Oscars ceremony might be cancelled due to the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. However, these tales were swiftly quashed by The Hollywood Reporter as unfounded. Earlier in the evening on Tuesday, a UK tabloid, The Sun, had published an article online with the sensational headline, "OSCARS THREAT - Oscars 2025 on the brink of cancellation as organizers secretly contemplate significant changes to the ceremony amidst LA wildfires."
Multiple Indian and international websites picked up the story, amplifying the erroneous narrative that the Oscars were set to be axed this year. Refuting these claims, The Hollywood Reporter unequivocally stated that there were no plans to scrap the ceremony and denied the existence of any advisory committee comprising celebrities like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Instead, the report emphasized that the sole authority tasked with Oscar-related decisions is the Academy's 55-member board of governors.
While adjustments were indeed made in response to the wildfires, such as extending the nominations voting period and postponing the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, the board remained steadfast in its assurance that the awards ceremony would proceed as originally scheduled. Earlier, AFP also confirmed that the Academy had not altered the Oscars ceremony date.
On Monday, the Academy issued a statement affirming its commitment to hosting a grand evening at the Dolby Theatre on March 2. "Our members often emphasize how crucial it is for us to unite as a community, and we are resolute in leveraging this occasion to celebrate our resilient and empathetic industry," the statement read. "Furthermore, we eagerly anticipate honoring our frontline heroes who have been instrumental in battling the fires, acknowledging those affected, and urging individuals to join the Academy in supporting relief efforts."
The highly anticipated 97th Academy Awards is still set to take place on March 2.
