by Thinus Ferreira
America's 67th Grammy Awards, the 97th Academy Awards and 2025's 41st Sundance Film Festival will all go ahead despite the devastation wrought by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The 67th Grammy Awards set to take place on 2 February in Los Angeles will go ahead.
"In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and the responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on 2 February will proceed as planned," says Harvey Mason Jr, Recording Academy and MusiCares chief executive.
"This year's show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: Raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours."
"In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort and unite like nothing else. The Grammys will not only honour the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles."
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has again postponed the nominees announcement but says the 97th Academy Awards will go ahead as planned.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences originally scheduled this year's nominees announcement for this Thursday, 17 January, but it was then postponed due to the Los Angeles fires to Sunday 19 January.
It has now again been postponed to next week Thursday, 23 January.
While the nominees luncheon on 10 February has been cancelled, the Academy says the 2025 Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles with host Conan O'Brien will still take place on Sunday 2 March.
M-Net (DStv 101) will broadcast the 97th Academy Awards as it has done every year.
The 2025 edition of America's Sundance Film Festival is also going ahead as scheduled from 23 January.
"Over the past few days, we've had many conversations with artists, volunteers, industry/press, trustees, donors, partners, and staff. The losses we're witnessing and so many are experiencing are hard to fathom and deeply emotional," says Amanda Kelso, acting Sundance CEO, in a statement.
"Yet, as we continue planning for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival - just 10 days away - we're moved by the resilience amidst the devastating loss."
"We may mourn, but we also know it is important to carry on. Soon, we'll gather for Sundance's 41st Festival to discover a new year of films and filmmakers."
"Despite the challenges so many are confronting, we're making our final preparations for this year's Festival, as in times like these, our mission to support artists, uplift their work, and connect to communities is paramount."
"While it may challenge us in many ways, coming together will also empower and inspire us as we look to our future."
"Sundance exists to discover artists, celebrate their work, and support storytelling that connects people through the power of film and we know that coming together as a community can be both healing and catalytic."
