Oscars Settle Site, No Latin Grammys

By Stephen M. Silverman

09/22/2001 at 11:51 AM EDT

The Academy Awards will remain at its new Hollywood home, the Kodak Theater, rather than retreat back to the Shrine Auditorium, after settling security concerns raised following the terrorist attacks. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences had threatened to pull the March 24 show from the new 3,600-seat venue unless certain safety issues were resolved. But on Friday, Academy president Frank Pierson issued a statement saying that he had ensured "the highest level of security" but did not discuss details. Among some of the issues were whether or not stars could walk safely from their limos into the theater and security access to the stores adjacent to the new theater. Meanwhile, the second annual Latin Grammy Awards, which were moved from Miami to Los Angeles over security concerns and then canceled last Tuesday after terror attacks in New York and Washington, will be not be rescheduled, it was announced Friday. Michael Greene, head of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, said the decision to scrap the show came after "careful consideration and days of deliberations" with producers, venue operators, security specialists and others. Scheduled performers at the event, which had been expected to draw thousands to the Forum, included guitarist Ricky Martin, Mark Antony and Carlos Santana. Last year's ceremony was seen by some 7.5 million U.S. viewers.