In light of devastating wildfires in Southern California, acclaimed actress Jean Smart has made a passionate plea to TV networks.
According to Fox News, Jean Smart has urged that television networks should cancel the broadcast of forthcoming award shows and redirect the planned funds to support victims and firefighting efforts of the Southern California wildfires.
The plea from Jean Smart followed her recent recognition at the Golden Globes, occurring just before the onset of the catastrophic fires.
The fires have caused Hollywood to reshuffle its schedule. Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, confirmed the delay of the Critics Choice Awards, originally set for an earlier date, until January 26. He remarked on the significant impact of the wildfires on the community.
The rescheduled event will air live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on the E! network, with subsequent availability on Peacock.
Moreover, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has deferred the announcement of its nominations from January 17 to January 19. The Screen Actors Guild also delayed their events, underscoring the extensive disruptions caused by the wildfires.
TV productions have faced disruptions, with shows like "The Price is Right," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and "After Midnight" halting filming. Universal Studios had to cancel the shooting of several television shows, including "Hacks," "Ted Lasso," and "Suits LA."
The fires also led to the cancellation of premieres for major films like "Unstoppable" and "Wolf Man," reflecting the broad impact on the entertainment industry.
The unfolding calamity has been severe; the Palisades Fire alone has devastated over 17,000 acres. The human toll is significant as well, with five fatalities reported and thousands of structures destroyed. The local authorities have placed over 130,000 residents of the Los Angeles metro area under evacuation orders.
These wildfires have been intensified by the Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, contributing greatly to the spread and severity of the fires.
Jean Smart expressed her concern and hope that the networks involved in airing awards would reconsider their priorities during this crisis:
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.
Joey Berlin added, reflecting on the effects of the disaster:
This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected.
In response to the catastrophe and following Jean Smart’s urgent appeal, the entertainment industry is reevaluating its upcoming events. The financial contributions that could be redirected from these events are hoped to play a crucial role in supporting firefighting operations and aiding those affected by the fires. With extensive destruction and displacement, the fires continue to challenge the resilience and adaptability of both the community and the entertainment industry itself.
