Hollywood's biggest night is now its most heavily guarded. The Oscars ceremony will proceed this Sunday under unprecedented security measures after an FBI warning revealed Iran allegedly planned a "surprise attack" on California targets—putting the Dolby Theatre directly in the crosshairs of Middle East tensions.
"We're working closely with the FBI and LAPD," executive producer Raj Kapoor declared at a tense press conference. "This event must run perfectly, but our top priority is ensuring everyone—from A-list attendees to fans outside—feels secure and welcome. We take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness."
Oscars executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor with host Conan O'Brien, center. Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty
The Los Angeles Police Department has mobilized a staggering 1,000 private security officers to surround the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The security blanket includes uniformed officers, surveillance cameras, drones, SWAT teams, and bomb-sniffing dogs. A one-mile security perimeter will lock down the venue, with rigorous checks on all entries. Once the ceremony kicks off at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT, the theatre will be sealed tight.
"We're coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to monitor intelligence during the ongoing Middle East conflict," the LAPD stated. "We assess every credible lead and adjust our security posture to protect the city."
A fence surrounds Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Wednesday, March 11. Barbara Munker/picture alliance via Getty
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he is in "constant coordination" with security officials to monitor potential threats. "While we're not aware of any imminent dangers, we remain prepared for emergencies," he posted on X.
