With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
MTV Movie Awards: Despite Fire, Show Must Go On*
()
The charred remains of structures on the Universal backlot are not too far from the Gibson Ampitheatre | AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian
Universal Studios opened to the public early this afternoon, is expected to open tomorrow despite the blaze that destroyed portions of the local landmark and darkened the skies with thick smoke. With concern for the well-being of many iconic and well-known parts of the decades-old theme park on the forefront of many minds, others also have voiced concern about whether the MTV Movie Awards, slated to take place in the Studios' Gibson Ampitheatre this evening, will happen.
The word is: The show will go on!
Support for LAist comes from
According to cbs2.com, an MTV spokesperson said the areas the production are using have not been affected by the fire, and a Universal rep said that "operations at the amphitheater and nearby hotels" have also been unaffected--despite the presence of fire hoses and crews, the blocked roads, and the massive and spreading plume of smoke rising about the property. Maybe red carpet wags should hand out face masks along with their witty barbs, considering officials have issued smoke warnings for the area.
The 2008 MTV Movie Awards will be hosted by Mike Myers, and among the Hollywood heavyweights scheduled to take part in the festivities are Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tom Cruise, Steve Carell, and Will Ferrell, and many more. Live performances will include Coldplay and The Pussycat Dolls.
The show airs live on MTV at 5 p.m. local time.
Previously on LAist:
Photo Essay: Universal Studios Backlot Fire
UPDATE: Universal Backlot & Buildings Continue to Burn
Universal Backlot Fire Destroys Buildings and Facades (with images of the facades pre-fire)
*Post updated at 3:45 p.m.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.” -
While working for the county, the DA’s office alleges that 13 employees fraudulently filed for unemployment, claiming to earn less than $600 a week.
Best of LAist