The 2026 Academy Awards are moving forward with heightened security measures as officials monitor global tensions and potential threats tied to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. While authorities stress that no credible threat has been identified, organizers say preparations are being strengthened to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and fans gathering in Hollywood this weekend.
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor addressed the issue during a press conference on Wednesday, March 11, confirming that security plans for the event have been intensified as a precaution.
Oscars Producers Confirm Expanded Safety Measures
Kapoor explained that security planning is part of the Oscars production process every year, but the team remains vigilant about world events and any developments that could affect the ceremony. “Every year we monitor what’s going on in the world,” Kapoor said during the press conference. “We have the support of the FBI and the LAPD, and it’s a close collaboration. This show has to run like clockwork.”
He added that safety is a central responsibility for the production team and security partners involved in the broadcast. “But we want everybody that is coming to this show, that is witnessing the show, that is even a fan of the show when they’re standing outside the barricades, we want everybody to feel safe and protected and welcome,” Kapoor said. “So it’s our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates.”
© Getty ImagesKapoor emphasized that security remains one of the most important components of planning a high-profile entertainment event. “It’s something that we don’t take lightly and we take a lot of responsibility for,” he continued. “We hold it very dear and close to our hearts. We have one of the best teams in the business in all aspects, and that comes down to our security team.”
FBI Alert Raises Concerns About Possible Drone Threats
The increased security preparations come after reports surfaced that Iran may have considered potential retaliatory drone strikes targeting locations in California. According to reporting by ABC News and the Los Angeles Times on March 11, the FBI issued an alert to law enforcement agencies warning about the possibility.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesThe alert stated that authorities had obtained information suggesting that Iran allegedly aspired to carry out a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from a vessel positioned off the U.S. Pacific coastline. The warning indicated that unspecified targets in California could potentially be involved if military tensions escalated.
However, officials also clarified that the intelligence was limited and had not been confirmed. “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack,” the alert reportedly stated.
© Anadolu via Getty ImagesA source cited by the Los Angeles Times said the warning was precautionary and had not been deemed credible at the time. The same reporting indicated that authorities saw no clear indication that Iran was actively planning such an operation or could launch one.
The FBI declined to comment publicly on the alert.
LAPD Says No Credible Threat Against Oscars Venue
Local authorities say there are currently no confirmed threats directed toward the Oscars ceremony or its venue. The Los Angeles Police Department told NBC Los Angeles that investigators have not identified any credible or uncredible threats against the Dolby Theatre ahead of the event.
© GC ImagesDespite that reassurance, officials are implementing an extensive security operation around the venue. According to the department, once attendees enter the theater, the building will be locked down and subject to repeated security sweeps throughout the day.
A one-mile security perimeter will also be established around the venue, with checkpoints inspecting vehicles and individuals attempting to enter the restricted zone.
© Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagAround 1,000 private security personnel will be deployed in and around the theater, according to reports from Entertainment Weekly. The LAPD will also assign uniformed officers, deploy surveillance cameras, operate drones, and activate specialized units, including bomb-sniffing dogs and SWAT teams.
Authorities Monitoring Global Tensions
In a statement shared with NBC Los Angeles, the LAPD said law enforcement agencies are coordinating closely with federal and state partners to monitor developments related to the Middle East conflict. “We want to reassure every Angeleno that we continue to coordinate with all of our Federal, State, and local partners for intelligence and information sharing during the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the department said. “We share this information in real time, assess every credible lead, and adjust our posture as needed to ensure the safety of our City.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed it is maintaining heightened vigilance. “In light of current global events, the Department remains at an elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance as we continue to protect our residents of Los Angeles County,” the agency said in a statement.
© WireImageOfficials added that they are actively monitoring a range of possible threats, including lone actors, sleeper cells, and cyber-related risks, while increasing patrols near places of worship and cultural institutions.
California Officials Stress Preparedness
California Governor Gavin Newsom said state officials are closely coordinating with security and intelligence agencies as they track potential threats. “I am in constant coordination with security and intelligence officials, including at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, to monitor potential threats to California — including those tied to the conflict in the Middle East,” Newsom wrote in a social media post on March 11. “While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state.”
President Donald Trump also addressed concerns about possible attacks on U.S. soil in a recent interview with Time magazine. “I guess,” Trump said when asked whether Americans should worry about such risks. “But I think they’re worried about that all the time. We think about it all the time. We plan for it.”
© Variety via Getty Images“When you go to war, some people will die,” he added. For now, officials emphasize that the Oscars ceremony will proceed as planned, with robust security measures designed to protect everyone attending the event or gathering nearby.
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