The wildfires that ripped through the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles forced many Hollywood stars, including Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore and James Woods, to evacuate their homes.
Firefighters in California are battling wind-blown wildfires, destroying homes, closing roads as tens of thousands flee and pulling resources as the blazes burn uncontrollably early Wednesday.
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood is a hilly coastal neighborhood dotted with celebrity residences and remembered by the Beach Boys’ 1960s hit “Surfin’ USA.” As people rushed to get to safety, the roads became difficult as many people abandoned their cars and fled on foot, some carrying suitcases.
“He pulled out of Malibu at the last minute,” Hamill wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday night. “There were small fires on both sides of the road as we approached (the Pacific Coast Highway).”
Less than 72 hours earlier, Hollywood’s most prominent stars had gathered to walk the red carpet of the Golden Globes, the first major event of happiness, and, for many, the triumphant awards season.
The Palisades Fire destroys a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The frenzy of awards season was also quickly ended: Premieres of contenders such as “Better Man” and “Last Showgirl” were canceled, the nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced with a press release instead of a live event and weekend events. as the AFI Awards were abused first.
The Oscar nominations are also delayed two days until Jan. 19 and the film academy has extended the voting window to accommodate members affected by the fire.
Here’s how celebrities and entertainment companies are being affected by the wildfires in and around Los Angeles:
The stars are out because of the Palisades fire
Jamie Lee Curtis said Wednesday on Instagram that her family is safe, but suggested her neighborhood and her home may be on fire. He said many of his friends lost their homes.
“It’s a scary situation and I thank the firefighters and all the good Samaritans who helped people out of the fire.”
Other stars who have homes in this area include Adam Sandler, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
Many are waiting to hear if their homes survived the fire.
Mandy Moore said her family is out and has tried to protect her children from the “great sadness and anxiety” she is feeling right now.
“So I’m willing to be destroyed and lost,” he wrote on his Instagram page. “I don’t know if our place is successful.”
Woods posted a photo Tuesday of the flames burning through the woods and palm trees on a hill near his home. High orange flames were burning in the courtyards built between the houses.
“I’m standing in my driveway, getting ready to go out,” Woods said in a short video for X. Later, he confirmed he was out and added: “It’s a test of your soul, to lose everything at once, I have to say.”
The impact of the fire so far
Officials did not give an estimate of the number of buildings damaged or destroyed in the wildfire, but said at least 70,000 residents were under evacuation orders and about 30,000 buildings were at risk.
The fire burned Temescal Canyon, a popular mountain area surrounded by densely populated multimillion-dollar homes. Flames crossed the famous Sunset Boulevard and burned parts of Palisades Charter High School, which has been featured in several Hollywood productions including the 1976 horror film “Carrie,” the 2003 remake of “Freaky Friday” and the TV series “Teen Wolf.” .”
The Palisades Fire also destroyed the historic ranch of Hollywood legend Will Rogers. It was among the many structures destroyed at both Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park. The historic Topanga Ranch Motel, built by William Randolph Hearst in 1929, also burned.
Rogers’ farm, built on land he purchased in the 1920s, spanned 359 acres in what is now Pacific Palisades. It included a 31-room farmhouse, stables, golf course and riding trails. His wife donated it to California State Parks in 1944.
The Critics Choice Awards, which were supposed to take place on Sunday, have been postponed to February 26.
Film studios canceled two movie screenings due to the fire and windy weather, the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park was closed for the day due to smoke and strong winds and the J. The Paul Getty Trust said its two museums, the Getty Villa and the Getty Center. , will remain closed for the next few days.
Universal Studios also canceled filming on several series, including “Hacks,” “Ted Lasso” and “Suits LA.”
The Walt Disney Co. closed its headquarters in Burbank, and canceled production on several series, including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Doctor Odyssey.” ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” which is Hollywood tapes, was canceled on Wednesday and will be broadcast again.
The production halt added to other disruptions to the film and TV industry in Los Angeles, including the cancellation of the Universal premiere of “Wolf Man” and the postponement of the American Film Institute’s awards gallery, scheduled for Friday.
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