By Samantha Ofole-Prince
Since the fires broke out last week in Los Angeles, SAG-AFTRA’s offices have been temporarily closed. The union which represents actors and entertainment professionals in America has announced its organization is making a $1 million donation to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.
The fires that have ravaged families, businesses, and communities broke out across Los Angeles last week in the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Southern California, which is home to several celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Ricki Lake, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. Extremely dry conditions coupled with strong winds allowed the fires to spread quickly to Altadena, a historic middle-class Black community in California, forcing evacuations of tens of thousands of residents. To date, the wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,300 structures.
“The destruction caused by these blazes, the loss of life and homes, has been gut-wrenching to experience,”said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “But we knew we could do more; we hope this pledge helps relieve suffering and assists those impacted in putting their lives back together after this calamity. I have personally been affected by the fires and I feel deeply for others who are experiencing this tragedy. These are particularly stressful times. Stress compromises the immune system so we must be mindful of taking measures to support our health.”
Other companies and individuals who have rallied to help those impacted by the devastation include the entertainment studio the Walt Disney Company, who committed $15 million to relief and recovery efforts. Warner Bros., Amazon, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Paramount and Fox have also stepped in with cash donations. On Sunday, Global superstar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter donated $2.5 million through her foundation, The BeyGood Foundation, to help with fire relief in the Los Angeles area after her mother Tina Knowles lost her home in the fire.
Several entertainment events including nominations for the upcoming Oscars have all been postponed as a result of the fires. The upcoming Critics Choice Award has been postponed and the Oscars Nominations announcement is now rescheduled for Thursday, January 23.The glitzy Oscars Nominees Luncheon, scheduled for Monday, February 10, will not be held this year and although the 97th Oscars is currently scheduled to happen, it may be canceled this year due to the devastation which has impacted several of its board members. The last time the glitzy event was impacted was in 2021 when the coronavirus pandemic delayed the 93rd Academy Awards.
