Oscars 2026: Massive security surge at Dolby Theatre amid Middle East tensions
Heightned security in Hollywood for the Oscars
Security at the Dolby Theatre is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach, as all eyes will be on Hollywood this weekend for the Oscars.
LOS ANGELES - The 98th Academy Awards will take place this Sunday under a "high-alert" security posture as law enforcement grapples with the geopolitical fallout of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Despite conflicting reports regarding the validity of specific threats, officials are taking no chances with Hollywood’s biggest night.
What we know:
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has established a one-mile security cordoned around the Dolby Theatre, utilizing K-9 units, surveillance drones, and an extensive network of cameras.
This heightened vigilance follows a week of increased patrols at houses of worship and cultural centers across Los Angeles after an attack on a Michigan synagogue.
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Security preparations are already visible on and around Hollywood Boulevard, where street closures and fencing have been set up ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. On Saturday, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was more congested than usual as sections were blocked off in preparation for the Academy Awards.
Executive producer Raj Kapoor confirmed that the production is working in "close collaboration" with the FBI to ensure the safety of A-list celebrities and fans alike.
What we don't know:
The primary source of friction remains an unverified report concerning potential Iranian drone strikes in California.
While ABC News reported that an FBI alert was issued to local agencies, the White House has moved quickly to debunk the severity of the claim.
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It remains unclear if the "single, unverified tip" mentioned by federal officials has been fully cleared or if the security surge is purely a localized "abundance of caution."
FBI warns California of possible drone attack
Concerns persisted Thursday about a possible Iranian drone threat to the West Coast following a media report that the FBI warned California police departments about the possibility.
What they're saying:
"We want everybody to feel safe and protected and welcome, so it's our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates," said Kapoor.
"We have been working collaboratively through the [State Operations Center]... to make sure we transmit any information that we have received," Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
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"At this time, there are no known or specific threats to Los Angeles. The LAPD remains prepared and committed to maintaining public safety," the LAPD said in a statement.
The closures have also affected visitors and vendors along Hollywood Boulevard. Some street vendors said they had to relocate because their usual setup areas were blocked off by security fencing and detours.
"Of course it affects us. The road closures always make us move because usually we set up in the center of the El Capitan, and everybody is affected because we all have to adjust to the situation," one vendor said.
Some residents said the visible security presence is stronger than in past years.
"They always do that every year — they close it off. Security this year is even more secure than ever because we all know what’s going on, so better safe than sorry," one Los Angeles resident said.
Despite the congestion, some visitors still came to experience the Oscars atmosphere. One woman who recently moved to Los Angeles brought her daughters to Hollywood on Saturday.
"We moved in September. We love L.A.," she said.
She said the heavy security and crowds slowed them down but didn’t deter them from visiting the area.
"This took us so long just to cross the street — so much congestion, so much security," she said.
Still, some locals said the inconvenience is worth it for Hollywood’s biggest night.
"I’m getting goosebumps right now. I would love to be in the audience one day — that’s my biggest dream. Of course, everybody loves the Oscars," one resident said.
What's next:
The ceremony is scheduled to proceed as planned on Sunday.
Security forces will maintain the perimeter and "heightened alert" status throughout the weekend.
Following the event, local and federal agencies are expected to review the efficacy of these expanded measures, especially the use of surveillance drones in high-density civilian areas.
Preparations for the Academy Awards are underway in Hollywood for the event that takes place on Sunday March 15, 2026, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katie McTiernan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Source: This report is based on official statements from the Los Angeles Police Department and Gov. Gavin Newsom, alongside direct interviews conducted with the Academy Awards production team. Information regarding federal threat assessments was drawn from White House press briefings and investigative reporting by ABC News and City News Service.