Welcome to “The Scoop” — the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich. Subscribe to her newsletter here.
(NewsNation) — Don’t be fooled by salacious reports that the Oscars and SAG Awards will be cancelled in March — the show will indeed go on.
Reports of potential cancellations ran wild after the Los Angeles fires started last week and burned over 10,000 structures to the ground, including many homes of the rich and famous.
These reports were also fueled by bold-faced names pleading for the glitz and glamour to pause this year.
Oscars: Stephen King voiced his opposition
Stephen King, an Academy member, took to Bluesky to voice his opposition to holding the Oscars this year, writing: “Not voting in the Oscars this year… IMHO they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”
Oscars: ‘Hacks’ star says donate the revenue
”Hacks” star Jean Smart agreed, writing on Instagram: “ATTENTION! With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters.”
But most in LA disagreed — if only because of the basic adage: People need to work.
Oscars: Not canceled
As one insider told me: “No f-cking way it’s canceled. There’s an obvious and appropriate need to balance sensitivities around those impacted by the fires but we have consistently seen that the show must go on — not just because of the pomp and circumstance but because of the extraordinary number of businesses and individuals whose employment depends on the industry and this specific event.”
Matthew Hiltzik, president and founder of Hiltzik Strategies, an industry veteran who has repped many top actors and Academy Award winners told me:
“Clearly everyone is extremely sensitive to and upset by these tragic and destructive fires and its impact on people’s everyday lives and on the many sectors that drive California’s economy. The entertainment industry has a strong record of rallying around and supporting those in need and now that it is Hollywood’s own backyard, there is an even greater sense of responsibility to do what’s right.
Each organization will make its own decision, but there is precedent for awards shows to adjust and adapt and in doing so help an extraordinary number of small businesses and individuals who depend on the industry and any specific event. There is a balance between caring for those in need while also restoring some sense of stability at the same time.”
Oscars: A dedication to the firefighters
Meanwhile, the Academy itself has said there will be a relief aspect to the show, with a dedication to the firefighters still battling the blazes but, like the Grammys, the big show will “proceed as planned” with “a renewed sense of purpose” after the devastating and ongoing LA wildfires.
In addition, the Academy has given an additional $250,000 from the nominee luncheon to the Motion Picture & Television Fund to help those within the industry who were impacted by the fires, for a total contribution of $1 million to the organization.