As the Los Angeles wildfire continues to cause chaos across the county, many prestigious events, including awards shows, have been forced to adjust their schedules. One of the major events affected by the fires is the American Film Institute (AFI) Awards.
Originally scheduled for January 10, 2025, the AFI Awards ceremony has now been rescheduled for February 6, 2025. This update came directly from AFI CEO Bob Gazzale, as reported by Deadline. In a statement released on Friday, Gazzale shared that the ceremony would take place on Thursday, February 6, with the support of the community, bringing together the honorees for the AFI AWARDS luncheon.
Gazzale emphasized that the AFI Awards have always been more about camaraderie than competition. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the “power of art to heal,” as well as the ability of art to inspire and unite people. He also reflected on the spirit of Los Angeles, noting that the city has been shaped by dreamers, who continue to drive progress and lead the way to a brighter future.
The AFI Awards were initially delayed due to the ongoing wildfire crisis, and this marks another event among several others that have been impacted. Other notable ceremonies delayed by the fires include the American Cinematheque Tribute To The Crafts at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, the Universal Party with Donna Langley at Sunset Tower, the BAFTA Tea, and the AARP Movies For Grownups Awards. Additionally, the Critics Choice Awards, which was supposed to be held in Santa Monica, has also been postponed.
Despite these delays, the nominees for this year’s AFI Awards have been announced. Among the films up for recognition are Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, Nickel Boys, A Real Pain, Sing Sing, and Wicked. On the television side, the nominees include Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, A Man on the Inside, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Nobody Wants This, The Penguin, Shōgun, Shrinking, and True Detective: Night Country.
Though these fires have forced changes in the calendar, the community continues to come together, and the spirit of celebration and recognition remains strong.