The awards season in Hollywood, always in the months that open the year, is not necessarily fair in terms of honoring the best, but it is an undeniable occasion of escapism for those who follow the Entertainment Industry. With the multiplication of awards (the oldest are the Oscar and the Golden Globes, with 98 and 82 years, respectively), from January to March, practically every weekend would have a “Red Carpet” and party. However, in the last 5 years, the scenario has been unintentionally different.

After the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Hollywood was literally shining in 2025 (many actresses chose gold as their favorite color) and expectations were within a “normality” that was missing when talking about dresses and projects would not be covered in guilt due to social issues, health, war or strikes. Until Nature was relentless.

Since Tuesday, January 7, 2025, until today, Sunday, January 12, 2025, wildfires in the Los Angeles region have caused significant destruction and human losses. There are at least 16 deaths, 13 missing, and a scenario of total destruction of the city, with firefighters still unable to contain the fury of the fire.

Starting on Tuesday, the fires are already one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, consuming almost 9,000 hectares and threatening residential areas such as Brentwood and Encino in Los Angeles and the cities of Malibu, Pasadena, and Altadena. Only 15% containment is estimated so far. To make matters worse, there are reports of looting and robberies throughout the city. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes and vehicles, severely damaging local infrastructure, and more than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with evacuation orders still in effect for several affected areas.

While some smaller fires have been partially contained, major fires, such as the Palisades and Eaton, remain active and dangerous. Weather conditions, including high winds and dry conditions, are hampering containment efforts. Authorities warn that the situation remains critical, with the potential for more destruction in the coming days.

In other words, what’s the mood for parties and awards? No parties have been officially canceled yet, only the dates have been changed, but those who see the state of the city wonder whether it’s realistic (or sensible) to have lavish ceremonies and celebrations amidst the chaos.

So what seemed like the year of “returning” to normalcy was just a dream. Over the past 5 years, the Red Carpet coverage – which has become even more prominent than the winners – has dealt with the imponderable forces of the real world.

Between 2020 and 2021, at the height of the isolation due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, several awards ceremonies were postponed, canceled, or rescheduled. For example, as they happened before the official declaration of the pandemic, in 2020 the ceremonies were still in the traditional format, with the nominees and the public in person.

In 2021, the ceremonies were virtual, with the Oscars being held in April, and in 2022, they returned to the in-person format, but with a reduced audience and sanitary measures, such as the use of masks and social distancing.

Although in 2023 the ceremonies returned to the traditional format with full audience capacity and without significant restrictions related to the pandemic, the shadow of the trauma still loomed in the air. And the 2024 celebration was the writers’ (and directors’) strikes that put the stars in the tight spot of showing support, but still being part of the party. In 2025, with everyone at peace, the expectation was for many releases and glamour. Something that went with the wind…

Only the Golden Globes were held as expected. The Critics Choice Awards, initially scheduled for January 12, 2025, were postponed to January 26. The announcement of the Oscar nominations was postponed from January 17 to 19, also extending the voting period to January 14. The SAG Awards canceled the in-person event to announce the nominees. All parties may be canceled, except for the Oscars, which take place in March.

Another impact that we will feel is that all filming of series and films in Los Angeles is suspended. That’s right, after the delay of the strikes, normality is far from returning.

And that’s right. Right? Nothing is “normal”. In 2025, the festivities’ glow was overshadowed by a devastating reality, reminding us that true celebration is the ability to unite in the face of tragedy.

The suspension of events and the adaptation of schedules do not diminish the value of art or entertainment, but they do reinforce the need for empathy and humanity in times of crisis. At a time when flames are consuming not only the landscape, but also the spirit of normalcy, the industry needs to embrace not just spectacle, but compassion as well.

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