Author Stephen King says he won’t be voting in this year’s Oscars nominations due to the devastating and ongoing wildfires in Southern California — and also wants the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to cancel the award ceremony itself.
“Not voting in the Oscars this year,” the bestselling horror novelist, whose works have been adapted into award-winning films and television shows, wrote Wednesday on Bluesky. “IMHO they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”
More than 80,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders after the infernos began across the greater Los Angeles area last week. At least 24 people have died and over 12,300 structures have been destroyed despite containment efforts, per CalFire.
The fires have also had a major impact on Hollywood, as several film and TV productions were halted and many actors have lost their homes. The academy postponed its annual Oscar nominations announcement to next Thursday. The award ceremony itself remains scheduled for March 2.
King isn’t the only big name to demand more from the academy, however, as “Hacks” star Jean Smart suggested last week that all upcoming award shows cancel their telecasts and donate the profits they would have made to those affected by the wildfires.
Senior figures at the academy nonetheless confirmed Tuesday to The Hollywood Reporter that the telecast plans to go on for its scheduled date.
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Those sources noted senior academy leadership wants the ceremony to be a dignified show that raises both funds for victims and awareness about the crisis.
The nominations are scheduled to be announced Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
