HOLLYWOOD elites are rushing to get behind the Oscar’s iron-tight security as Los Angeles continues to smolder from the devastating fires. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is shaping up to be quite different this year in the wake of the tragedy that claimed 29 lives. Event planners are cracking down on security after last year’s protests over the Israel-Hamas war stopped the red carpet.
Anti-Israel demonstrators flooded the streets and halted traffic as they accused Hollywood of supporting Israel throughout the war in Gaza. Black Lives Matter leaders were present at the chaotic scene that saw A-list actors stuck in limousines as they headed to the ceremony. Tensions are already high this year as locals who lost everything in the wildfires prepare to hit back at the glitzy show of wealth and glamor.
From January 7 to 31, eight major fires burned throughout some of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods, leaving pure destruction in their path.
Bone-dry conditions and blustering winds helped the blaze continue to burn uninterrupted despite brave firefighters’ best efforts.
Over 200,000 people were forced to evacuate, and more than 18,000 homes were burned to a crisp.
No one was safe from the tragedy, as celebrities like Senfield’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus and supermodel Bella Hadid all lost properties.
The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that parties are being canceled in favor of donating to the fire relief and A-listers are swerving post-event celebrations over fears they could be viewed as tasteless.
It’s been a mad dash for the Oscars to be business as usual since the highly-anticipated event was already delayed in light of the fires.
Behind-the-scenes pictures taken at the Dolby Theatre, where the event will be held, showed unwrapped trophies and clutter littering the floors, the Mirror reported.
Last-minute patches were being sealed on walls, and paint was drying just days before the ceremony began.
But the show will go on, and the red carpet will be laid on the street just outside the theatre’s entrance, with Oscar hopefuls like Adrian Brody and Demi Moore smiling for pictures.
For the first time in 80 years, the Oscars will cut a massive portion of the ceremony.
Fans are outraged as best original song nominees will not be performed, so artists like Selena Gomez and Elton John won’t take the stage.
However, musical fans are in luck because Wicked cast members Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to give a bombshell performance.
In January, Bill Kramer and Janet Yang, the CEO and president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said they wanted to focus more on songwriters this year.
“We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life,” they said.
“All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”
However, Grande and Erivo will be a part of “powerful musical moments” that will “connect film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future.”
Meanwhile, the best picture win is anyone’s game, as nominations have been blasted over racism scandals and an artificial intelligence controversy.
The event is set to begin at 7 pm ET on Sunday and will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.
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