Stephen King Urges Oscar Cancellation Due to LA Wildfires

Esteemed author Stephen King has urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to cancel the 97th annual Oscars amid the devastating wildfires still ravaging Los Angeles. In a statement to Deadline, King announced he would not be voting in this year's awards and suggested they should be cancelled entirely, citing the lack of "glitz" in Los Angeles due to the ongoing fires. The wildfires, which started on January 7, have tragically claimed at least 27 lives and continue to burn.

"Not voting in the Oscars this year," King expressed on Bluesky. "In my honest opinion, they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire."

Stephen King. Image credit: Matthew Tsang / Getty Images.

In response to the crisis, the Academy announced on January 13 that it would adjust its 2025 schedule due to the fires, though there has been no confirmation of cancelling the event entirely. The Oscars nominee luncheon has been cancelled, and the voting period has been extended to January 17, with the nominations announcement rescheduled for January 23. The 97th Oscars ceremony is still set to occur on March 2.

"We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community," stated CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in conjunction with the schedule adjustments. "The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship."