Actress Jean Smart is calling on television networks to skip out on televising awards shows this season and give that money to those impacted by the Southern California wildfires instead.
The “Hacks” star didn’t mince words when she posted the message on Instagram early Thursday morning.
“Attention! With all due respect during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and firefighters,” she wrote in a post.
While the idea of seeing celebrities celebrating themselves while thousands have had to evacuate their homes due to the devastating fires may seem tone-deaf, those events are many people’s livelihoods.
One Instagram user left a lengthy comment on Smart’s post explaining how awards shows help those “below the line” put food on the table and that “statements like this are damaging.”
“As an employee for said award shows – those of us ‘below the line’ rely on award season financially to get us through the year,” the user wrote. “Jean, my job as a Talent Executive exists solely to celebrate your achievements and ensure you and your peers have an enjoyable time at these events. Productions shutting down will further contribute to the demise of LA. How will those of us rebuild if we can’t work?”
Variety’s Senior Culture and Events Editor Marc Malkin told KTLA 5 that he agreed with the actress’ sentiments and that “priorities have to shift.” However, he pointed out that Hollywood is a “gig economy” and the postponed premieres and awards shows are affecting more than just the stars.
“All of those awards shows: makeup artists, hairstylists, drivers, waiters – yes, the celebrities are going to be fine they don’t need an awards show money-wise, but all of this gig economy, all of those people, it’s a day rate,” he explained. “They’re all going to lose work.”
Hollywood has slowly been attempting to go back to “normal” following the pandemic and 2023 strikes.
The wildfires have prompted the postponement of award shows meant to take place this weekend. The Critics Choice Awards, which was set to take place on Jan. 12 has been pushed back to Jan. 26. Friday’s Annual AFI Awards luncheon and the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards have also been postponed.
The fires have also impacted the 2025 Oscar nominations. They were set to be read on Jan. 17, but have been pushed back to Jan. 19. The Film Academy also extended the voting window to accommodate members affected by the fires.