LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations have been shifted from an in-person announcement to a press release due to severe wildfires and high winds impacting the Los Angeles area. Originally scheduled for Wednesday morning, this alteration comes in response to the ongoing emergency conditions in the vicinity.
Typically, the nominations celebrate outstanding performances in both movies and television, and this year's announcement was set to be made live with actors Joey King and Cooper Koch hosting the event. However, the dire situation necessitated a move to a safer format, prioritizing the health and safety of all involved.
Currently, fires are ravaging through areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena, near Pasadena, California. These devastating wildfires have prompted evacuations and have heightened concerns for both residents and the local ecosystem. An extensive number of homes and structures are reported to be at risk, emphasizing the urgency of the current climate crisis impacting the region.
The 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony, which will be hosted by Kristen Bell, is scheduled to air live on Netflix on February 23 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. This event is particularly notable as the SAG Awards often serve as a key indicator for nominations in the acting and best picture categories at the Oscars. Last year, the ceremony was hosted by Idris Elba, highlighting the caliber of talent involved in these prestigious awards.
In addition to the SAG Awards modification, the ongoing fires have also resulted in the cancellation of multiple entertainment events. Notably, the premiere of the highly anticipated Robbie Williams biopic "Better Man," as well as the debut of Jennifer Lopez's film "Unstoppable" and Universal Pictures’ upcoming horror feature "Wolf Man," have been affected. These cancellations reflect the broader impact of the wildfires on Los Angeles's entertainment industry.
The decision to transition to a press release for the SAG Awards nominations underscores the seriousness of the wildfires and the prioritization of safety over traditional ceremony practices. As the area continues to contend with the dangers posed by these fires, the community remains hopeful for the safety of its residents and the swift management of the ongoing crisis.
