Fri Jan 10 02:24:01 UTC 2025: **Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires Destroy Homes of Celebrities, Disrupt Awards Season**
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Widespread wildfires raging across Los Angeles have caused significant destruction, claiming the homes of numerous celebrities and forcing the postponement of several major entertainment events. Over 1,900 structures have been destroyed, and the number is expected to rise, with over 130,000 residents under evacuation orders.
Among the high-profile victims are actors Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton, as well as Rob Elwes and singer Jhené Aiko. Crystal and his wife lost their 45-year-old Pacific Palisades home, while Moore’s Altadena residence and Hilton’s Malibu home were also consumed by the flames. The Bridges family lost a historic Malibu home that belonged to their parents. Jamie Lee Curtis, while safe, announced a $1 million pledge to aid fire victims.
The fires have thrown Hollywood’s awards season into chaos. The AFI Awards, AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, and Critics Choice Awards have all been postponed. The Producers Guild Awards nominations have been delayed, and the Academy Awards nominations announcement has been pushed back two days to January 19th to accommodate members affected by the fires.
The wildfires also damaged several landmarks, including parts of Palisades Charter High School and the historic Will Rogers ranch house. The Topanga Ranch Motel, built by William Randolph Hearst, was also destroyed. While a fire near the Hollywood Bowl and Dolby Theatre was largely contained, the extent of the damage and the impact on the ongoing evacuations remains significant. The situation continues to evolve as new fires ignite and firefighters battle the blazes fueled by strong winds.
First Piper 