OSCAR season is looking very different this year after families lost everything in the wildfires, but as they always say in Hollywood: the show must go on.
While the Academy Awards is still going ahead at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, the usual calendar of private parties leading up to it has noticeable gaps.
A series of destructive wildfires erupted at the beginning of January in several different areas of the city, killing at least 29 people and burning down thousands of homes.
Los Angeles is still recovering and rebuilding, and many of the major talent agencies are deciding against throwing out-of-touch lavish soirees for the rich and famous.
United Talent Agency has canceled its huge pre-Oscar party and will instead make donations to numerous fire relief causes.
William Morris Endeavor is also scrapping its usual bash at a sprawling private estate, but will still host an intimate toast at Chateau Marmont Hotel for its nominated clients.
Creative Artists Agency is choosing to celebrate its clients including Demi Moore and Ariana Grande at a smaller party hosted at The Living Room, a new private members’ club.
The agency will also donate to SoCal Fire Fund for wildfire relief efforts.
The main after parties including Vanity Fair, Beyonce and Jay-Z’s Gold Party, and Madonna’s private bash are all said to still be going ahead.
However, they are not expected to see as many A-listers as previous years, according to an insider.
They told The U.S. Sun, “Many celebrities are sitting the Oscars parties out this year, publicists don’t think it’s a great look.
“It’s kind of out of touch to be spending thousands of dollars on gowns and glam to party in a city where people have lost everything.”
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Most of the private after-parties are also not believed to be focusing fundraising efforts on Los Angeles firefighters, first responders, or wildfire victims.
Vanity Fair will raise money for the Motion Picture and Television Fund and Baby2Baby.
Many connected partygoers and professionals who fly in for the week every year have decided to ditch travel plans – unless they’re up for a golden statue.
Experienced publicists say it’s become more about the local community coming together to show unity.
Norah Lawlor, who owns Lawlor Media Group, told The U.S. Sun, “One big element of the Oscar weekend celebrations are the parties which often are underpinned by brand sponsors – which can seem out of touch with this year’s climate.
“I have been running my PR Agency for 28 years and although I decided not to attend for the first time since the year The English Patient won out in 1996, I think it is good that the awards are going ahead.
“LA does not need to lose revenue from tourism and events around the Oscars – which will only hurt the city further.
“I love the way the award season brings the entertainment industry together and provides a window into the trends that will shape society.”
She added that she believes Hollywood could “play a transformative role by helping the rebuilding effort by emphasizing and employing the workforce that will drive LA’s creative economy forward.”
Lisa Huscher, an intuitive coach who sponsored and helped organize Heather Marianna’s Enchant Luxury Celebrity Gifting Lounge on Thursday, echoed Norah’s opinion.
“People need a reason to come together in a joyful way.”
Lisa Huscher, an intuitive coach
She thinks it’s important for the gifting galas to still be going ahead and work with business owners who may have already suffered due to the fires.
“People need a reason to come together in a joyful way,” she said.
“For me, it’s about reconnecting and new ideas forming. There’s a real sense of community, it’s become more local this year, everyone supporting each other.”
The gala showcased dozens of businesses including Michel Med Spa, skin brand BeezGone, and wellness line Purefect Balance, the latter of which only launched this year.
Suzette Paris, education manager for Pixi Beauty, had a stall at the event and said she was glad the Oscars is still going ahead.
She said, “It is a touchy subject, people have gone through so much, but if we continue I think it shows strength.
‘A UNIFYING FORCE’
“We need to bring people together, and those who have lost everything, community is so important.
“It’s great to be together with all the different brands and meeting all the different actors and creators and just really supporting them.”
Academy President Janey Yand and CEO Bill Kramer previously released a statement explaining why the Oscars would still go ahead this year.
They said, “We are devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community.
“The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship.”
They noted how they were looking forward to “honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts.”
They later added that the ceremony would “honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century.”
“We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry,” they concluded.
Many of the gifting lounges are also raising money for charities this year following the wildfires.
Veteran producer Debbie Durkin is set to host her 18th annual ECOLUXE invite-only event on Friday to benefit firefighters, fire victims, and Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Ranch.
GBK, MEND, and Bodywell’s pre-awards luxury lounge, also held on Friday, is presented by KC Chic and will benefit the non-profit Americares and victims of the wildfires.
Alta Global Media is hosting a viewing party on Sunday which will serve as a fundraiser honoring local heroes and first responders.
Fashion retailers Revolve and FWRD are also putting together an after-party to raise money for victims of the Eaton Wildfires.
Cardi B, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Halle Berry, and Michael Mente will serve as co-hosts.
BIG FIVE OSCARS NOMINEES 2025
BEST PICTURE
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Nickel Boys
- Wicked
- The Substance
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
- Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
- Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
- Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
- Mikey Madison – Anora
- Demi Moore – The Substance
- Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here
BEST SCREENPLAY
- Adapted Screenplay: A Complete Unknown (James Mangold and Jay Cocks), Conclave (Peter Straughan), Emilia Pérez ( Jacques Audiard; In collaboration with Thomas Bidegain, Léa Mysius and Nicolas Livecchi), Nickel Boys (RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes), Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar; Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John “Divine G” Whitfield)
- Original Screenplay: Anora (Sean Baker), The Brutalist (Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold), A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg), September 5 (Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum; Co-Written by Alex David), The Substance (Coralie Fargeat)
BEST DIRECTOR
- Anora – Sean Baker
- The Brutalist – Brady Corbet
- A Complete Unknown – James Mangold
- Emilia Pérezn – Jacques Audiard
- The Substance – Coralie Fargeat
