The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced yet another postponement of its Oscar nomination announcement due to the devastating wildfires still causing chaos throughout Los Angeles. The annual luncheon, traditionally held to celebrate the nominees, scheduled for February 10, has also been canceled.

In a statement released on Monday, the Academy revealed that the voting period would be extended through Friday, with nominations now slated to be revealed on January 23 at 5:30 a.m. Pacific time. Originally set for this week, the announcement had already faced delays last week due to the ongoing turmoil created by the fires.

Academy chief executive Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang expressed their condolences, saying, “We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community.” They emphasized the importance of allowing members additional time to participate in the voting process, considering the adverse conditions resulting from the fires.

The cancellation of the luncheon marks a significant occasion, as it is only the second time this event has been omitted since its inception in 1982, the first being in 2021 due to the pandemic. Additionally, the Scientific and Technical Awards, scheduled for February 18, will also face rescheduling, with a new date yet to be announced.

In light of the continuing crisis, the Academy aims to prioritize the community's urgent infrastructure and lodging needs over the coming weeks, indicating a need for flexibility within their schedule. However, the Oscar telecast is still set to go ahead on March 2, maintaining a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.

Moreover, the Academy has expressed its intention to honor frontline workers who have braved the conditions to assist with the fires. There will also be a call for the industry to rally together in supporting relief efforts for those affected by the fires.

In a contrasting move, the Recording Academy confirmed that the Grammy Awards will proceed as scheduled on February 2, with the CBS telecast planning to pay tribute to first responders. This juxtaposition highlights the different approaches taken by the two major academies amid similar crises, raising questions about the impact of these natural disasters on the entertainment industry.

As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the community's resilience will be put to the test, and both the Oscars and Grammys will take on new significance as symbols of hope and solidarity in trying times. Stay tuned for more updates and the full announcement of this year’s nominations!