The membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is today spread more around the world than ever before. However, the highest concentration of voters, by far, remains in and around Southern California — some 6,000 of roughly 10,000 people — much of which is currently being devastated by out-of-control wildfires.

Apart from rescheduling the nominations announcement of the 97th Academy Awards, the deadline for Oscar nomination voting has been extended by two days till 14 January.

The ongoing crisis has displaced tens of thousands of the city’s residents, including numerous celebrities, and prompted other awards shows to postpone.