Both the Grammys and Oscars will proceed as planned on February 2 and March 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, despite the devastation the recent wildfires have brought upon the L.A. area. The Grammys was the first to announce its continuation in a letter Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., sent to the Academy members on Monday. According to CNN, the shows will be reimagined to put the spotlight on first responders, while also including a charitable component to fundraise for those affected by the fires.
Proceeding with an award show honoring wealthy celebrities amid destructive wildfires tearing through entire communities and displacing thousands of families creates the risk of negligence from these productions due to the simple timing. However, these shows provide income for thousands of entertainment workers in Los Angeles who are essential to the industry. Grappled with the unfortunate overlap of the fires with award season, decision makers for these productions are now tasked with navigating how to carry on with the shows.
In the letter to the Academy regarding the decision to proceed with the shows states, “In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else,” from Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees chair Tammy Hurt. “The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.” They continued.
The letter said that the show will proceed as planned and will take place, “in close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources.” The ceremony will carry a new sense of purpose as it will raise funds to support wildfire relief while, “honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
Just a few days prior to the letter’s release, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, pledging a $1 million donation to aid music creatives and professionals affected by the fires. According to the Recording Academy, the effort will provide immediate and long-term support for those in the music industry who are facing displacement and loss from the disaster.
“We are all 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,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement to members on Monday.
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