In 1941, Bette Davis, the first female president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, called for changes to the Oscars ceremony in response to the events of Pearl Harbor. She believed that celebrating extravagantly while the world faced turmoil was inappropriate. Davis suggested turning the Academy Awards into a ticketed event, with proceeds benefiting the Red Cross. When her proposal was rejected, she resigned, but her successors followed her lead, creating a more subdued ceremony that reflected the somber mood of the time.
Fast forward to today, where wildfires have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County, prompting calls to rethink and possibly cancel lavish awards ceremonies. Stars and industry insiders are grappling with the dilemma of how to approach such events in the face of tragedy. While some have advocated for toning down the festivities, there are concerns about the impact on the gig workers who play a crucial role in styling and preparing stars for these events.
Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo and other style professionals highlight the financial strain that canceling or altering awards ceremonies would have on them. They emphasize the challenges they have already faced due to previous disruptions like the 2024 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic. These freelancers rely on events like awards season to support themselves and their families, making it essential to consider their livelihoods in any decisions about the ceremonies.
The intricate process of preparing a star for the red carpet involves a team of up to 16 individuals, including stylists, hair and makeup artists, and more. These gig workers are the backbone of the glitz and glamour seen at events like the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards. Stylists like Jessica Paster and styling duo Amanda Lim and Luca Kingston express their commitment to maintaining the planned looks for their clients, despite the challenges posed by the wildfires.
While showing empathy for fire victims and recognizing the need for sensitivity, industry professionals stress the importance of continuing with awards season events to support the creative workforce and the local economy. Raha Dixon, CEO of Tailor Here, underscores the significant role that events like these play in sustaining their businesses and providing employment opportunities for contractors.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the fate of upcoming awards season events, gig workers remain hopeful that they can weather the storm and continue their work in styling Hollywood stars. The resilience shown in overcoming past challenges gives them confidence that they can navigate the current situation and emerge stronger.
In conclusion, the debate over the fate of awards season events in the wake of wildfires underscores the complex interplay between compassion for those affected by tragedy and the economic realities faced by gig workers in the industry. Balancing these considerations is crucial to ensuring that the show can go on while also supporting those who make it possible behind the scenes.