As the first female president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in 1941, Bette Davis called for changes to the Oscars ceremony in response to the Pearl Harbor attacks. She proposed turning the event into a ticketed fundraiser for the Red Cross, but when her idea was rejected, she resigned. Subsequent ceremonies reflected her call for a more subdued tone, with simpler dress codes and a focus on the war effort.
Today, the wildfires in Los Angeles County have sparked a similar debate, with calls to rethink or even cancel lavish awards ceremonies. Stars are questioning the appropriateness of the usual red carpet extravagance in light of the recent devastation. With many lives lost and structures destroyed, the industry is grappling with how to approach upcoming events. Some have been postponed or canceled, causing concern for the gig workers who rely on awards season for their livelihoods.
Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo and stylist Jessica Paster are among those advocating for maintaining the glamour of awards season to show solidarity with the Hollywood community. They emphasize the importance of supporting the industry’s workers, many of whom are freelancers facing financial hardships. Oquendo highlights the numerous professionals involved in creating a star’s red carpet look, emphasizing their role as essential contributors to the industry.
Styling duo Amanda Lim and Luca Kingston also support maintaining the usual glamour of awards season, noting that their clients prefer sleek, elegant looks. They emphasize the importance of respecting fire victims while also recognizing the economic impact on gig workers. Raha Dixon, CEO of Tailor Here, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of awards season for local businesses and workers.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent fires, the industry remains hopeful that they will overcome this difficult time. While some events have been disrupted, the focus remains on supporting the creative workforce and ensuring that gig workers are not left behind. As the conversation around the appropriateness of awards season continues, the industry is committed to navigating these challenges together.
Source link