Celebrated novelist Stephen King has urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to call off the upcoming 97th Oscars ceremony as catastrophic wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles.

According to Deadline, the horror maestro revealed he's abstaining from this year's awards voting, arguing the glamorous event feels inappropriate when the city is engulfed in flames. The devastating blazes that ignited on January 7 have claimed at least 27 lives so far.

"Not participating in this year's Oscars vote," King posted on Bluesky. "Frankly, they should scrap the whole ceremony. How can we celebrate when Los Angeles is burning?"

While the Academy announced adjusted plans for the 2025 season on January 13 due to the wildfires, they've stopped short of canceling the event entirely. The traditional nominees luncheon has already been scrapped.

Voting has been extended until January 17, with nominations now scheduled for January 23. The main Oscars ceremony remains set for March 2 as originally planned.

"In the face of these tragic fires and the unimaginable losses suffered by our community, we're heartbroken," said CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang in a joint statement about the schedule changes. "As an organization that brings the film world together, we stand united during these difficult times."