One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
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!
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.
Sponsored message
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.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
