Legendary author behind string of classic films calls for Oscars 2025 to be axed as he refuses to vote amid LA fire hell

HORROR icon Step-hen King has joined calls for the Oscars to be cancelled over the LA wildfires.

The author insisted he will not be voting in this year’s Academy Awards, saying: “No glitz with Los Angeles on fire.”

Dozens of King’s works have been adapted for the big screen and several have been nominated for Oscars.

After criticism yesterday of his stance, he added on the Bluesky social media platform: “I hear what you guys are saying about the Oscars, and how they’re a celebration of life, and the show must go on, blah-blah-blah.

“It all makes a degree of sense, but to me it still feels like Nero fiddling while Rome burns. Or in this case, wearing fancy clothes while LA burns.”

The Sun told this week how the Oscars committee has a “contingency strategy” in place in case it has to axe the awards on March 2.

Hacks actress Jean Smart has also urged broadcasters not to show the event.

As it stands, the Oscars will go ahead but bosses are looking at ways to raise cash and awareness of LA’s biggest ever natural disaster.

Advertising deals costing millions of dollars are already in place, as well as the schedule for the Hollywood stars in attendance.

Nominations for the Oscars were due to be announced yesterday but are now due to take place on Thursday.

Epic period drama The Brutalist, musical crime hit Emilia Pérez and papal thriller Conclave are tipped to be among the winners.

King, 77, has often seen films of his work grace the Oscar ceremonies.

Kathy Bates won Best Actress in 1991 for her role as Annie Wilkes in Misery.

Carrie, adapted by Brian De Palma in 1976, was up for two gongs and 1999’s The Green Mile for four.

Stand By Me and The Shawshank Redemption — both based on King novellas — have also been nominated.

Other film hits from works by King include The Shining, Christine, It and Pet Sematary.