LOS ANGELES - The body that awards the Oscars said it was cancelling its ritzy nominees' luncheon, as Los Angeles grapples with enormous wildfires.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also moved its nomination announcement online, as Hollywood tries to navigate the somber mood at a time it would usually be celebrating award season.
"We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang.
"The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship."
The names of Oscar finalists will now be announced in a virtual event on January 23, while the nominees' luncheon -- a champagne-swilling celebration of all those up for statuettes -- is off, the Academy said.
Stars including Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal lost their homes to the fires, and production was halted for TV and film.
Hollywood studios and streamers have pledged eight-figure donations to emergency response and rebuilding efforts.
Warner Bros Discovery and Disney each committed $15-million, while Netflix, Amazon and Universal parent company Comcast said they would give $10-million apiece.
The industry is weighing how to navigate its just-started award season -- an endless series of swanky premieres, galas and prize-giving ceremonies.
Hollywood insiders are wary of appearing tone-deaf to the suffering of a city that is home to hundreds of thousands of people working in and around the TV and film industries.
"Hacks" actress Jean Smart has advocated scrapping the entire season, urging TV networks to donate "the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters" instead.
But the Academy said Monday that it would go ahead with its gala evening, the traditional finale to the season of gong-giving, hinting first responders would be present at the Dolby Theatre on March 2.
"Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry," a statement said.
"We also look forward to honouring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognising those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts."