Oscar-Voting extended and Nominations postponed due to LA wildfires

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has announced changes to its schedule after wind-driven wildfires spread across Los Angeles.  To accommodate those affected, the voting deadline for Oscar nominations has been extended by two days, now ending on Tuesday, January 14, at 5 p.m. PT. Additionally, the announcement of nominations for the 97th Academy Awards has been moved from Friday, January 17, to Sunday, January 19. In a letter to Academy members, CEO Bill Kramer expressed his condolences to those affected by the fires.  "We want to extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California... So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you," said Bill Kramer.  Kramer explained the adjustments and emphasized the need to give members more time to participate in the voting during this difficult time.  He thanked the members for their understanding and support in what he called a "complex time." The 97th Academy Awards, hosted for the first time by Conan O'Brien, will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood.  The event will be broadcast live on ABC and reach viewers in over 200 countries worldwide. The official show with the red carpet will start at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.