Jean Smart calls on TV networks to not air award shows, instead donate to Los Angeles wildfire relief
Jean Smart is urging TV networks to refrain from airing glitzy awards shows amid the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, and to donate money to relief efforts instead.
"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," the actor, who on Sunday won a Golden Globe for her performance in "Hacks," wrote in a Thursday Instagram post.
The networks, Smart said, should instead be "donating the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and the firefighters."
Several events — including premieres and awards galas — have been postponed in the wake of the fires that have engulfed portions of Southern California. The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, have been pushed back to Jan. 26.
"This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community," Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin said in a Wednesday social media post announcing the move to postpone the awards ceremony.
"All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected," Berlin said.
The announcement of this year's Academy Award nominations was also delayed by two days due to the fires, which have claimed the lives of at least five people. The nominations are poised to be announced on Jan. 19.
A live event to announce the nominations for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards that had been scheduled for Wednesday was also canceled. Nominees instead were revealed via a news release ahead of the Feb. 23 awards ceremony.
"We want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastating fires affecting Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted — the residents, first responders, and all those working tirelessly to protect the community," organizers of the SAG Awards said, encouraging supporters to "consider donating to a charity of your choice to help those in need."