Recent wildfires in Los Angeles—particularly in the Pacific Palisades region—have caused a state of emergency in Southern California, posing a significant threat to local residents and property. The entertainment industry has taken a direct hit, with major film and TV productions suspended and high-profile awards ceremonies forced to reschedule.
Productions Paused: Multiple TV Shows and Films on Hold
On Wednesday, January 8, nonprofit organization Film LA released a production alert stating that the unprecedented risk to life and property, coupled with the strain on public safety personnel, has made it impossible to maintain normal filming operations. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has withdrawn permits in Altadena, La Crescenta, La Canada/Flintridge, and Unincorporated Pasadena, with potential for more revocations.
As a result, several high-profile TV series—including Grey’s Anatomy, Hacks, Happy’s Place, Suits LA, Loot, NCIS, The Neighborhood, Abbott Elementary, Doctor Odyssey, All American, and The Pitt—have halted production. Cast and crew have been sent home, waiting for conditions to improve before filming resumes.
Celebrities Forced to Evacuate Homes
Many local residents, including high-profile celebrities, have been displaced by the wildfires. Stars such as Mandy Moore, Spencer Pratt, and Cameron Mathison have confirmed they had to evacuate for their own safety, and some of their homes have already been devastated.
Mandy Moore, 40, shared a heartfelt message via Instagram on Wednesday:
“I love you, Altadena. Grateful my family and pets got out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets). Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for so many who’ve lost everything, including my family. My children’s school is gone, and our favorite restaurants are leveled. Our community is broken, but we will rebuild together.”
Beyond celebrity residences, local businesses, restaurants, and schools have been severely affected, underscoring the fire’s extensive damage and the daunting road to recovery.
Major Awards Shows Postponed
Critics Choice Awards
Originally set for Sunday, January 12, the Critics Choice Awards have been rescheduled to air live on January 26. CCA CEO Joey Berlin released a statement expressing concern for those battling the fires and those who have been displaced.
BAFTA Tea Party
The BAFTA Tea Party, also slated for January 12, has been postponed to an as-yet-unannounced date due to the escalating crisis.
Writers Guild Awards (WGA West & WGA East)
The Writers Guild of America West and East announced that they will delay the nominee announcement for the Writers Guild Awards until Monday, January 13, 2025, acknowledging the difficulty posed by multiple fires and the local state of emergency.
Oscars Nominations
Late Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that the Oscar nominations announcement will be pushed from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 19, further highlighting the widespread effect of the wildfires on awards season.
Canceled Premieres and Screenings
Several West Coast premieres and special screenings for upcoming films have also been canceled in light of the ongoing emergency, including:
Unstoppable (starring Jennifer Lopez)
Wolf Man
The Pitt
The Last Showgirl
A Complete Unknown