Beginning in early January, rapid-moving wildfires have forced tens of thousands of residents in the Los Angeles area to evacuate their homes. The emergency has prompted numerous entertainment events to be postponed or canceled as first responders work tirelessly to contain the fires. Actress Jean Smart has also called on the industry to cancel award shows and donate potential revenue to fire victims. This article details the impact on various Hollywood events, from awards ceremonies to television tapings.

Postponed Awards Shows and Industry Gatherings

The entertainment industry has responded swiftly by rescheduling major events to prioritize safety and support affected communities. Many high-profile gatherings, including award shows and premieres, have been put on hold. These adjustments reflect a collective effort to address the crisis while ensuring the well-being of participants and attendees.

Several significant events have faced delays due to the wildfires. The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for January 12th, will now take place on January 26th at the Barker Hangar. Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, expressed solidarity with those battling the fires. Similarly, the BAFTA Tea Party, planned for January 11th, has been canceled outright, with organizers emphasizing the safety of their colleagues and peers. Additionally, the AFI Awards Luncheon, initially set for January 10th, has been indefinitely postponed, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has also delayed its nominations announcement until January 13th, aligning with other industry-wide postponements.

Impact on Television Productions and Live Shows

Beyond award shows, the wildfires have significantly disrupted television production schedules and live broadcasts. Studios and networks have prioritized the safety of cast, crew, and staff by halting operations and rescheduling key dates. This section explores how various TV productions and live shows have adapted to the crisis.

Television tapings and auditions have not been spared from the disruptions. "America’s Got Talent" announced the postponement of its Pasadena auditions, which were initially set for January 12th. The show emphasized that the safety of participants is paramount and promised to announce new audition dates soon. Meanwhile, late-night talk shows like "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "After Midnight" have canceled recent tapings, opting to air repeats instead. For scripted series, ABC shows such as "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Doctor Odyssey" paused production on January 8th, while CBS decided to wrap early on shows like "NCIS" and "NCIS: Origins." NBCUniversal also halted production on several projects, including "Hacks," "Ted," and "Suits: L.A." Moreover, the closure of the Warner Bros. studio lot impacted productions like "Abbott Elementary" and "The Pitt." These measures underscore the industry's commitment to safety and support during this challenging time.