Los Angeles Premieres Canceled as Wildfires Disrupt Events

Several major Los Angeles-area premieres have been canceled amid the raging wildfires and extreme weather conditions affecting Southern California. The devastating, unprecedented fires have forced multiple studios, networks, and organizations to make safety a priority, resulting in the cancellation of high-profile events, including movie premieres, screenings, and celebrity gatherings.

Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Studios were among the first to announce that they would be canceling their premieres on Tuesday evening. The biographical wrestling drama Unstoppable, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, was slated for a red-carpet event in West Hollywood. The premiere featured stars such as Jharrel Jerome, Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, Michael Peña, and others, but in a statement, the studio cited the dangerous fire conditions as the reason for canceling. The studio expressed regret but emphasized that safety was their primary concern, encouraging viewers to watch Unstoppable when it becomes available globally on Prime Video starting January 16.

Universal Studios also canceled the premiere of Wolf Man, the horror film starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, due to the worsening weather conditions and evacuations in the LA area. In a similar move, Paramount and Max called off their Wednesday premieres of Better Man and The Pitt, both of which were set to take place amidst heightened wildfire activity. A spokesperson for Paramount said, "Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires resulting from these conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow guidance from local authorities."

HBO Max mirrored this sentiment in their statement about The Pitt, which was also canceled due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and wind advisories in place across Los Angeles. The safety of attendees and staff was cited as the primary reason, along with gratitude for the efforts of first responders who continue to work in dangerous conditions. "Stay safe" was a message echoed by many of the studios and networks making cancellations.

Netflix followed suit with its own event cancellations, including a celebration for Emilia Perez, a music-centered event featuring star Karla Sofía Gascón and composers Camille & Clément. Roadside Attractions also called off the premiere of The Last Showgirl, which was set to take place at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Stars Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd were among those expected to attend, but the event was scrapped due to safety concerns.

Other events to be postponed included an evening screening and dinner for A Complete Unknown, scheduled for January 9, as well as an opening night reception for the Dune photo exhibit at Leica Gallery. The American Cinematheque Tribute to the Crafts, slated for January 9, was also postponed. In addition, Meta Quest's Jane Fonda VR fitness series activation event, planned for the same day, was canceled out of caution.

The iconic AFI Awards luncheon, scheduled for January 10, was rescheduled. AFI stated that the ongoing tragedies and the spirit of community central to the event could not be achieved under the current circumstances. Similarly, the BAFTA Tea Party, set for January 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, was canceled due to the continuing wildfires. The organization prioritized the safety of all involved.

As the fires raged through the region, affecting neighborhoods such as Pacific Palisades, parts of Santa Monica, and Altadena, authorities issued evacuation orders, and thousands of residents were displaced. The Palisades fire alone has burned over 1,200 acres, and intense windstorms exacerbated the situation, causing widespread power outages and complicating evacuation efforts. President Biden even canceled his scheduled trip to the Eastern Coachella Valley due to the dangerous weather conditions.

The fires have left a significant scar on Los Angeles. Social media posts from evacuees, including actor James Woods, expressed gratitude for the bravery of the first responders who have been working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Amid the chaos, the priority remains clear-safety for all involved.