The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a four-hour flight ground stop on Friday evening, but Hollywood still expects weekend disruptions. Travel plans were thrown into question for talent, executives and buyers traveling to and from Los Angeles and New York.
The FAA attributed the grounding to “extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety.” A communications problem at Air Route Traffic Control Centers, which handle flights across the country, was cited as a possible cause. Preliminary reports indicated it was not a cyberattack.
More than 7,800 flights across the U.S. had been delayed by Friday evening, according to FlightAware. CNN estimated that about 1.5 million travelers were stranded at airports or on runways, or had to extend their trips.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is scheduled to hold its 17th Governors Awards on Sunday at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. Honorary Oscars are set to go to eight-time nominee Glenn Close, director Ridley Scott and Floyd Norman, Disney’s first Black animator. Producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler will receive the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
The disruption could also affect the final days of the American Film Market, running Nov. 10-15 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City. International sales agents, buyers and financiers due to fly home this weekend could be stuck in Los Angeles. Numerous events for awards contenders are also taking place around the city.
On Saturday, Netflix is set to host an official Academy screening for members of David Fincher’s “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth.” Written by Quentin Tarantino, the film features Brad Pitt reprising his role from “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.”
