Stephen King has spoken out against this year’s Academy Awards, calling for their cancellation due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The show is still set to take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended its voting period and delayed nominations announcements amid the crisis. The organization will reallocate $250,000 from the nominees’ luncheon to wildfire relief efforts.
TV star Jean Smart had previously urged networks not to air award shows during this time, instead donating revenue to fire victims. However, actress Rosanna Arquette disagrees, saying that the Oscars can be used to rebuild and inspire those affected by the fires.
In a recent post on Bluesky, King wrote: “Not voting in the Oscars this year. IMHO they should cancel them.” He also expressed his support for charity telethons to raise funds for the community and firefighters. The Grammys have already announced its 2025 ceremony will incorporate charitable elements, with significant changes to their usual format.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/stephen-king-cancel-oscars-la-fires-not-voting-1236276091