Award-winning actress Jean Smart made a powerful statement Wednesday night, urging television networks to forgo broadcasting Hollywood award ceremonies and redirect those funds to aid Los Angeles fire victims and first responders.
Through an Instagram post, Smart expressed her hope that networks would reconsider airing upcoming award shows during Hollywood's celebratory season. Instead, she suggested that the broadcasting revenue be channeled toward supporting those affected by the recent Los Angeles fires and the firefighters battling them.
The timing of Smart's appeal coincides with several major upcoming ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, scheduled to air on ABC, E Network, and Netflix respectively.
The Los Angeles fires have already disrupted the awards season significantly. SAG canceled their live nominations announcement, opting for a press release instead. The Academy Awards extended their voting deadline from January 12 to January 14, while the Critics Choice Awards postponed their ceremony to January 26.
The impact extends beyond award shows, affecting multiple Hollywood events. Several film premieres, including "The Last Showgirl," "Wolf Man," and "Unstoppable," have canceled their red carpet events. Other industry gatherings like the BAFTA Tea Party, AFI Awards luncheon, and AARP's Movies for Grownups have also been postponed.
Smart's call to action highlights the entertainment industry's opportunity to prioritize community support over celebration during this challenging period for Los Angeles residents.