Actress Jean Smart issues demand of Hollywood amid fire crisis

An award-winning actress has called on the Hollywood powers that be to make a huge change amid LA’s bushfire disaster.

Jean Smart called on television networks preparing to host live award shows not to televise the celebrations and instead donate funds to help the Los Angeles-area community amid deadly wildfires.

Smart, who took home an award at the Golden Globes days before the fires broke out, made her plea on Instagram.

“ATTENTION! With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters,” the 73-year-old actor shared yesterday.

Fox News Digital reached out to Smart for additional comment.

Smart won a Golden Globe this week for her leading role in the TV show Hacks. Picture: Robyn Beck / AFP

MORE: Celeb homes destroyed in LA fires revealed

Hollywood has responded to the multiple wildfires raging around Los Angeles County by postponing a handful of events – including award shows. The Critics Choice Awards, set to occur January 12, have been postponed until January 26.

“This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community,” CCA CEO Joey Berlin said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. “All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected.”

“The rescheduled event will remain at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and will broadcast live on E! and around the world. It will also be available on Peacock the next day.”

Award show announcements have also been postponed for both the Academy Awards and the SAG Awards.

The nominations for the Academy Awards will now be announced on January 19 instead of Jan. 17.

The fires have devastated exclusive LA suburbs like Pacific Palisades, pictured. Picture: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The postponements come as production halted for multiple TV shows, including The Price is Right, hosted by Drew Carey, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and After Midnight. Universal Studios also cancelled shooting for numerous series, including Hacks, Ted Lasso and Suits LA.

Movie premieres were also affected by the raging Palisades fire, which has now burned more than 17,000 acres. Premieres for Jennifer Lopez’ Unstoppable and Blumhouse’s Wolf Man were cancelled this week.

At least five people were killed, and thousands of structures were burned as fierce wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area, officials said. Fast-moving flames blazed through homes and businesses as residents fled smoke-filled canyons and picturesque neighbourhoods that are home to many celebrities.

Flames shoot upward from a burning house as the Palisades Fire grows. Picture: David Swanson / AFP

Many of the towering fires that began earlier this week were fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, which gusted to more than 112 kph in some spots.

The winds dropped today, but the National Weather Service warned that even the reduced gusts could still spread fire rapidly.

More than 1,900 structures have been destroyed, and the number is expected to increase.

More than 130,000 people are also under evacuation orders in the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, a number that continues to shift as new fires erupt.

This story originally appeared on Fox News and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Actress Jean Smart issues demand of Hollywood amid fire crisis