Oscar Voting Delayed: Wildfires in LA Bring Changes

Wildfires are raging in Southern California, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking notice. Many of its members, around 6, 000 out of 10, 000, live in the LA area. Due to the crisis, the Academy is extending the Oscar nomination voting window. It was supposed to end on Sunday, but now it's pushed back to Tuesday, January 14. Even the announcement of the nominations is delayed, moving from Friday to Sunday, January 19. The Academy wants to give its members more time to vote. They're also canceling some in-person events and moving them online. For example, the Sound and Visual Effects Bake-Offs in LA are now virtual. The Academy Museum is also closed for the day. It's not just about the Academy, though. The fires are affecting many people and industries in the area. It's a reminder that real-life events can impact even the glitziest awards shows.