Stephen King says he’s “not voting in the Oscars this year” because of the L.A. fires. “IMHO they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.” (via Variety)

Stephen King says he’s “not voting in the Oscars this year” because of the L.A. fires.

“IMHO they should cancel them. No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.” (via Variety)

**Stephen King Announces He’s “Not Voting in the Oscars This Year” Due to L.A. Fires: “IMHO, They Should Cancel Them”**

In a bold and unexpected move, renowned author Stephen King has announced that he will not be participating in the voting process for this year’s Oscars due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. King, who is no stranger to using his platform to comment on societal issues, expressed his disapproval over the lavish nature of the Academy Awards while the city faces such a devastating crisis.

In a recent interview with *Variety*, King shared his thoughts on the current situation, stating that the fires raging across Los Angeles had made the idea of hosting a glamorous awards ceremony feel inappropriate and tone-deaf. “IMHO [in my humble opinion], they should cancel them,” King remarked. “No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”

The wildfires that have been tearing through California in recent weeks have caused widespread destruction, threatening homes, wildlife, and the environment. The fires have prompted evacuations, caused thousands of acres of land to burn, and brought significant challenges to the state’s emergency response teams. As the crisis continues to unfold, many residents, including those in Los Angeles, are grappling with the destruction and loss caused by the flames.

King, known for his horror novels but also his outspoken views on social and political issues, has always been vocal about his concerns for the environment and his commitment to addressing climate change. His comments regarding the Oscars and the fires reflect his desire to see the entertainment industry place more focus on important social and environmental issues rather than continuing with business as usual.

“I understand the significance of the Oscars and the cultural importance of celebrating film,” King continued. “But right now, I think it’s a moment where we need to prioritize the real crises happening around us. The fires are a tragedy, and the emphasis should be on addressing those immediate needs.”

The author’s decision to step back from voting this year is stirring debate within the entertainment industry. Some agree with King’s sentiments, seeing the Oscars as an event that could, in the face of such natural disasters, appear out of touch. Others, however, feel that the Oscars serve as an important opportunity for the entertainment community to come together and celebrate art, especially in challenging times.

It’s worth noting that King’s comments echo a broader public conversation around the role of entertainment in times of crisis. Many critics argue that lavish events, particularly those held in cities affected by such devastating natural disasters, can come across as tone-deaf. However, supporters of the Academy Awards maintain that the event offers an important platform for honoring creative achievements, which can be a much-needed respite in the face of adversity.

The question of whether the Oscars should proceed as planned or undergo significant changes due to the ongoing crisis remains up for debate. With King’s outspoken comments, it’s clear that some prominent figures in the industry are questioning the appropriateness of continuing with grand celebrations in the midst of real-world calamities.

As the situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve, it’s likely that more conversations will arise about the responsibility of the entertainment industry to balance glamour with social awareness, particularly in the face of widespread destruction. For now, Stephen King’s decision to withdraw from this year’s Oscars serves as a pointed reminder of the importance of empathy and perspective, especially during times of crisis.