New Critics Choice Awards Date Revealed Amid California Wildfire Devastation

The Critics Choice Awards have been officially rescheduled but will still take place at the iconic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The event will broadcast live on E! and will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

The announcement of the rescheduled Critics Choice Awards comes shortly after the cancellation of this Saturday’s BAFTA Tea Party, a longstanding January tradition during awards season, as dangerous winds and devastating California wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

The rescheduled 30th annual Critics Choice Awards will now air on January 26 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. Comedian Chelsea Handler is set to return as host for her third consecutive year.

“This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” Critics Choice Association (CCA) CEO Joey Berlin told Deadline.

This year’s Critics Choice nominations are led by “Conclave” and “Wicked” with 11 nods each, followed closely by “Dune: Part Two” and “Emilia Pérez,” both earning 10 nominations, including Best Picture. The Best Picture category also features nominees “A Complete Unknown,” “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Nickel Boys,” “Sing Sing,” and “The Substance.”

The show will be executive produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment, with the Critics Choice Awards represented by Dan Black at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

The wildfire crisis has also forced the cancellation of several high-profile events, including the BAFTA Tea Party, a beloved staple of the awards season.

A BAFTA Tea Party representative said: “In light of the dangerous winds and wildfires in Los Angeles, we are canceling this weekend’s BAFTA Tea Party. The safety of our colleagues, friends, and peers in Los Angeles remains our utmost priority, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”

Other events affected by the ongoing wildfires include the premiere of Roadside Attractions’ Gia Coppola feature “Showgirl” and Paramount’s “Better Man.”

Universal Studios Hollywood and its adjacent entertainment district, Universal CityWalk, have announced an unexpected closure on Wednesday due to “extreme winds and fire conditions” as wildfires continue to ravage parts of Southern California.

In an official statement shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, park representatives emphasized safety as their primary concern: “Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today due to the extreme winds and fire conditions. We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority.”

The decision comes amid escalating wildfire activity driven by powerful winds and dry conditions, which have put several regions on high alert. Southern California has been grappling with multiple active fires, prompting evacuations and heightened safety precautions across various communities.

Currently, other major theme parks in California, including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, and Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, have not announced any closures or operational delays due to the fires. However, park officials and local authorities continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.

A company spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that productions for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Dr. Odyssey” will not proceed on Wednesday. Additionally, the taping of the CBS game show “After Midnight” has been canceled.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” typically broadcasts from the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood, roughly 15 miles from the Palisades fire.

The Palisades Fire, first reported on Tuesday morning, has rapidly grown to thousands of acres with zero containment, according to Cal Fire. Powerful winds have fueled the fire’s spread, forcing the evacuation of at least 30,000 residents in the affluent Pacific Palisades community.

The Eaton Fire, which ignited Tuesday night in the hills above Altadena, has already scorched 10,600 acres, resulting in two fatalities and prompting additional evacuation orders. Meanwhile, according to officials, the Hurst Fire erupted late Tuesday in Sylmar, quickly consuming hundreds of acres and forcing further evacuations.

As Southern California continues to battle these devastating wildfires, the rescheduling of significant events like the Critics Choice Awards highlights the far-reaching impact of the ongoing crisis. For now, all eyes remain on the efforts of firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of residents.