Debunked: Is this picture of a burned Oscar trophy from the LA fires actually real or not?

The LA wildfires have had truly devasting effects, destroying a vast majority of homes alongside valuable possessions. However, one such picture of a valuable possession allegedly claimed by the LA wildfires is that of an Oscar trophy which seems to have been left scorched in the rubble.

The picture has been making the rounds on Twitter and Reddit, with actress Isabella Rossellini even sharing it on her Instagram, writing: “I spoke to my brother Roberto about it and he sent me this heartbreaking photo he found.”

However as it turns out, the image of the Oscar trophy burnt in the LA wildfires isn’t actually real and was actually generated by AI.

An Instagram account dedicated to Hollywood collectables shared: “The photo was shared by Robert Redford. Uncertain whether the award belonged to Robert Redford.”

Amid speculation the picture was fake, a representative for Robert Redford confirmed told Entertainment Weekly: “It is fake. That is NOT his Oscar.”

Someone’s Academy Award burned to the ground. pic.twitter.com/ucUR7Jmx9o

— Phocky™ (@phockyclub) January 12, 2025

When you reverse image search the picture it confirms it was created by AI and another person commented on the post, writing: “This is an AI photo, made by Dale-3 Bing Generator.”

Still, whilst the picture of the Oscar trophy lying in the ashes of a building might not actually be real, it’s still a powerful reminder of everything that’s been lost to the LA wildfires.

Featured image via RINGO CHIU/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock. 

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