With Los Angeles in crisis amid the wildfires, Hollywood is pausing many projects and events.
Although the Grammys will take place on February 2 as planned, Netflix has postponed the premiere of Meghan Markle’s upcoming lifestyle series on January 13, according to a statement from the Recording Academy. With love, Meghan from January 15 to March 4.
It was her decision to postpone the show — which is described as “a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California,” according to Netflix’s Tudum. The To take actress said in a statement: “I’m grateful to my partners at Netflix for their support in delaying the launch while we focus on the needs of those affected by the wildfires in my home state of California.”
On January 10, Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, visited the World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by chef José Andrés, in Pasadena, California, to distribute food and supplies to those affected by the devastating Eaton fire. Their Archewell Foundation previously worked with the WCK. Markle, a native of Los Angeles, met with Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo and was also spotted in Altadena, which was decimated by the fire.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, with Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, California, on January 10. (Ethan Swope/AP Photo)
With multiple fires burning across the country that remain largely under control (the most serious fires, Palisades and Eaton, were 14% and 33% contained on Monday), it’s not just business as usual in the entertainment capital ‘. Premieres have been canceled, awards ceremonies are up in the air and some productions have been halted. Among the many who have lost homes are crew members and people working behind the scenes, not just actors, who have received a lot of attention.
Normally, awards season is in full swing right now, in the wake of the Golden Globes. That’s being rescheduled, and some — most notably Jean Smart — have called on Hollywood to cancel awards season altogether and let the networks donate to fire victims instead. It’s all been another blow to the industry, which has had a rough few years overall, including COVID in 2020 and the Hollywood strikes in 2023 affecting productions.
In addition to Markle’s show, here are events, premieres and productions that have been postponed or canceled due to the fires.
Awards shows
The Grammys
Although a senior TV executive told the Hollywood Reporter it was “very likely” the February 2 music awards show would be postponed, it will go ahead as planned. A statement from the Recording Academy on January 13 said the show will raise money for wildfire relief and honor brave first responders. “In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else,” the letter said.
The Oscars
Although the Academy Awards aren’t until March 2, the live nomination ceremony scheduled for January 17 was first moved to January 19 and then rescheduled again to January 23. The Academy also canceled the luncheon for the Oscar nominees on February 10.
Critics Choice Awards
The Critics Choice Association has moved the awards ceremony, which was scheduled for January 12, to January 26. The event is still hosted by Chelsea Handler and held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
The nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards
The nominees would be announced live on January 8. Instead, they were released online that day. At the time of writing, the awards ceremony is still scheduled for February 23.
AARP Adult Movies Awards
The awards ceremony scheduled for January 11 has been postponed and no new date has been set. “We extend our condolences to everyone affected,” organizers said in a statement.
WGA Nominations
Nominations for the Writers Guild of America Awards were scheduled to be announced on January 9, ahead of the February 15 ceremonies. The announcement date was postponed to January 13.
AFI Awards Luncheon
The annual event, which takes place on January 10 this year, has been postponed indefinitely. “Given the tragedies prevalent in Los Angeles, the sense of community we strive for at the AFI Awards will be unattainable on Friday – which is why we will postpone the event,” organizers said in a statement.
Film festivals
Sun dance
The film fest, which kicks off on January 23, will continue as planned in Park City, Utah. “Our community has a history of coming together when passion and perseverance are needed most, drawing strength from the deep bonds that make us so resilient,” organizers said. “Right now we may be grieving, but we also know it’s important to carry on.”
Cancellations of premieres
Many films won’t get the typical Hollywood fanfare, starting with Pamela Anderson’s The last showgirl and Jennifer Lopez’s Unstoppable, two of the films whose premieres have been canceled. The same goes for Better man, Wolf-man, One of those days and AppleTV+s dismissal, among many others.
TV productions halted
As the fires spread and high winds hit the area last week, several shows temporarily halted production, including Jimmy Kimmel Live, after midnight And The price is right. These three have since resumed production as of January 13. Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, NCIS And SWAT was also paused and their status is unclear at the time of writing.
Events
BAFTA Tea Party
The annual lunch, organized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and scheduled for January 11, will not take place this year. “The safety of our colleagues, friends and colleagues in Los Angeles remains our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected,” organizers said in a statement.
Selena Gomez Rare popup
The actress planned to celebrate her fifth birthday Rare album with an immersive pop-up experience in LA from January 10 to 12. It will now take place at a later date.