Actress Jean Smart is calling on television networks to stop televising this season’s awards shows and instead donate the money to those affected by the Southern California wildfires.
The “Hacks” star didn’t mince words when he posted a message on Instagram early Thursday morning.
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“Take note! In honor of Hollywood’s celebratory season, the networks that air the upcoming awards are serious about not airing the awards and donating the proceeds they would have earned to the victims of the fires and firefighters.” “I hope you will consider this,” she wrote. post.
While the idea of celebrities throwing a celebration while thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes due to devastating fires may seem tone-deaf, these events are the source of many people’s livelihoods. are.
One Instagram user left a lengthy comment on Smart’s post, explaining how awards shows help feed those “below the line” and that “speech like this is harmful.”
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“As the awards show employee above said, we ‘below the line’ people rely on awards season financially to get us through the year,” the user wrote. “Gene, my job as a talent executive exists solely to celebrate your accomplishments and to ensure that you and your colleagues have a good time at these events. The closure of productions is even more important to L.A. How would we rebuild if we could?” Not working? ”
Marc Malkin, Variety magazine’s senior culture and events editor, told KTLA 5 that he agreed with the actress’ sentiments and said, “Priorities need to change.” But he noted that Hollywood is a “gig economy,” and postponed premieres and awards shows are impacting more than just stars.
“All the award shows for make-up artists, hair stylists, drivers, waiters, the celebrities will be fine, they don’t need award shows in terms of money, but this whole gig economy, all those people, it’s “It’s a matter of ‘daily rates,'” he explained. “They’re all going to lose their jobs.”
Hollywood is slowly returning to “normal” after the pandemic and the 2023 strike.
The awards ceremony scheduled for this weekend has been postponed due to the wildfires. The Critics’ Choice Awards, scheduled to be held on January 12th, have been postponed to January 26th. Friday’s annual AFI Awards Luncheon and AARP Adult Film Awards have also been postponed.
The fire also affected the 2025 Oscar nominations. The reading was scheduled for January 17th, but was postponed to January 19th. The film academy also extended the voting period to accommodate members affected by the fire.
