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The 2025 Critics Choice Awards, an annual event recognizing achievements in both film and television, is taking place on Sunday, Jan 26. This celebration of artistry comes at a complicated time for Hollywood in many ways.
Due to the devasting California wildfires the 2025 Critics Choice Awards scheduled originally for January 12 had to be postponed until January 26. This was a necessary decision taken out of concern for those impacted by fires. That action resulted in also shifting multiple dates in what has already been a packed schedule for many.
These wildfires which have devastated a large part of Southern California created not only damage but displacement of many. Multiple actors homes were among those that were destroyed forcing everyone to make serious changes and reflect as an industry. Also several film production and related activities were temporarily postponed as a result creating ripples throughout the region. This was made in response to respect all those that were facing extreme devastation at that point.
In a domino effect a number of high-profile events were postponed or outright canceled. The red carpet events such as premieres for "Unstoppable," "One of Them Days", and even season premiere of “Severance” had to all change as safety and public perception was now in question. A few studios decided to make donations to the affected areas in lieu of holding an extravagant production.
There was more to be done in those areas and not just large media events. As a result of this, TV and film productions in the LA area faced shut downs as studios made the move to pause operations until things were stabilized. In addition some studios like Paramount are focusing on donating resources instead of a new film premiere event and production companies have moved from live announcement to posting the nominations via written release on a later date. Some of those affected included Jimmy Kimmel Live!, "Hacks," and "Abbot Elementary."
Along with all these responses many in Hollywood were stepping up with contributions and thoughts towards those facing extreme challenges in that region. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis offered financial assistance and studios have been donating. Many recognized the magnitude of impact for all those in the Los Angeles community including all behind the scenes workers, production staff and other members not usually recognized publicly. There has been more acknowledgement that while many live through great financial comfort in Los Angeles there were others struggling greatly and could use immediate help.
In a show of recognition Actress Jean Smart suggested cancelling award shows while donating those funds and revenues to be given to those in need. As one that has received many accolades over the last years her comments may resonate deeply with an important viewpoint among peers.
The Oscars were among those impacted from this chaotic time. The Academy extended the date for Oscar nomination voting while also moving the date of their live nomination announcement to January 19. All the issues throughout LA have shifted focus from Hollywood celebration to how people in this industry are doing and dealing with unexpected struggles and setbacks.
These necessary adjustments resulted in having to reschedule all promotional materials and efforts by many different production houses. These were meant to gain traction in the awards circuit by generating more conversation and attention for some films to be remembered when it was time for The Academy Awards votes. There was a shift in needing to find new digital forms for communication now due to the changes happening throughout their regions.
Despite the impact of the wildfires, the road to the 2025 awards shows remained very unpredictable and has been called the most unpredictable. Films such as "The Brutalist" and “Emilia Perez” remain key contenders but were all stalled by the delays of different events.
Many overseas films are competing this season creating for a very strong competition to obtain more main stage awards. “All We Imagine As Light,” and "Evil Does Not Exist," are films mentioned for consideration for best picture category alongside the favorite “Emilia Pérez”. Many are wanting to bring to the forefront that not all great film stories are of western origin and hopefully in the coming years there will be even more representation.
Some favorites that would have a good standing would include ”La Chimera” “Anora,” ”Nickel Boys,” and "A Different Man." As with most all production companies they were all hoping to gain more traction through live engagements and red carpet showings. Each of these have some great aspects that bring out the very human experience through unique storylines and excellent cast.