Recent headlines have sparked confusion about the fate of the 97th Oscars, with some media outlets suggesting the ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, March 2, is "on the verge of being canceled." However, senior sources within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences categorically deny these claims, calling them baseless.

How the Rumor Started

The speculation began with a report from the U.K. tabloid The Sun, published Tuesday evening. It claimed, without evidence, that a secret "contingency strategy" was in place to cancel the Oscars for the first time in its 96-year history. The piece also incorrectly listed the ceremony date as March 3 and alleged that stars such as Tom Hanks, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and Steven Spielberg were part of a fictional advisory committee making the decision. The story quickly went viral, picked up by outlets like the Drudge Report, adding to the confusion.

The Academy Responds

Speaking exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter, senior figures at the Academy debunked the claims, confirming that no such advisory committee exists and that no plans to cancel the ceremony are being considered.

The Academy’s 55-person board of governors, the official decision-making body, recently reaffirmed that the Oscars will proceed as scheduled on March 2. The board did, however, adjust related events due to the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, including extending the nominations voting period, postponing the Scientific and Technical Awards, and canceling the Oscar Nominees Luncheon.

History Says the Show Will Go On

The Oscars have never been canceled in their nearly century-long history, even during major crises like COVID-19. At most, ceremonies have been postponed or scaled down. Current Academy leadership strongly believes that proceeding with the ceremony — in a dignified way that supports fire relief efforts — aligns with the Oscars’ legacy.

Despite sensational headlines, the Oscars remain on track for March 2. While the wildfires have prompted some logistical adjustments, there is no internal movement to cancel Hollywood’s biggest night. The Academy appears committed to ensuring the event proceeds respectfully, honoring both the art of film and the resilience of those impacted by the fires.