The three most destructive wildfires in U.S. history, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, continue to blaze around Los Angeles, creating scenes reminiscent of a Hollywood disaster movie.
As a consequence of these fires, significant events such as the Oscar nominations and the Critics Choice Awards have been postponed by two days, and many other events in the entertainment industry are being rescheduled.
The impact on Hollywood is profound, with actors, writers, and crew members losing their homes. The film and television production landscape is in disarray, as calls to cancel the awards season grow louder. The industry has already been reeling from the effects of the pandemic and recent strikes and now faces another major setback due to the wildfires.
Several film premieres, including Unstoppable, The Last Showgirl, and the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, have been canceled. Additionally, the announcement of nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards has also been delayed. High-profile celebrities like Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Adam Brody have lost their homes to the raging fires, highlighting the widespread devastation.
The entertainment industry has become even worse
Marc Malkin, a senior editor at Variety, remarked, "Hollywood, as everyone, was hit by the pandemic with severe consequences. The strikes, obviously, affected the industry, probably forever." The fires have resulted in an estimated US$115 billion in damages, impacting around 680,000 individuals who work in or are connected to the entertainment industry. If the entire awards season is canceled, it could create a ripple effect, severely affecting those who rely on these events for their livelihoods, including hair and makeup artists, servers, drivers, and security personnel.
Since the fires began, more than a dozen television series filmed in Los Angeles, such as Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, and Hacks, have halted production. The smoke from the fires has also affected filming plans in areas further away, adding to the industry's challenges. Hollywood was already grappling with issues like escalating production costs, and these wildfires have compounded the difficulties.
Mandy Moore shocked the numbness of the public
Celebrities have publicly shared their experiences and losses. Mandy Moore, known for her role in This Is Us, posted a video during her evacuation, expressing gratitude for her family and pets' safety while mourning the loss of her community. She noted, Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children's school is gone. Our favorite restaurants leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too."
TV host Ricki Lake said she had lost her "dream home", adding: "I grieve along with all of those suffering during this apocalyptic event." Other well-known figures, including Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris, and Cary Elwes, have also lost their residences.
Miles Teller, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, and his wife Keleigh Sperry have lost their home in Pacific Palisades. Jamie Lee Curtis acknowledged that while her own home was safe, many friends had lost theirs, sharing a photo of the fire with a broken heart emoji on social media.
Cameron Mathison shared a video showing his home reduced to ashes, emphasizing the emotional toll on his family. Diane Warren, a celebrated songwriter, also reported losing her home in the fires.
Feng Xiaogang denies rumors of his mansion being destroyed
Rumors circulated online that Chinese director Feng Xiaogang and other celebrities had lost their homes in the fires. Feng quickly took to social media to dispel these rumors, stating that he was currently in Haikou filming and safe. His home has not been burned down. He told the public not to believe the rumors. "If something unfortunate happens, I will inform everyone immediately." He also emphasized that those spreading false information could face legal consequences.
The ongoing wildfires pose a significant threat not only to the lives and homes of many but also to the future of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, which has faced challenges repeatedly in recent years. The combination of the pandemic, labor disputes, and now natural disasters leaves the industry at a critical juncture.
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