Security arrangements for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards have been reinforced as authorities remain alert following reports about a potential drone threat targeting the US West Coast. The prestigious awards event is scheduled to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The annual celebration of cinema will once again be hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, who is returning to lead the ceremony. Preparations for the star-studded event are already underway with the iconic red carpet rolled out in Hollywood as production teams and media crews prepare for one of the biggest nights in the film industry.
However, the build-up to the awards show comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Reports suggested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had warned law enforcement agencies in California about the possibility of a retaliatory drone strike from Iran targeting the US West Coast.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that authorities are maintaining an elevated level of readiness and monitoring the situation closely, although specific operational details were not publicly disclosed.
During a press conference ahead of the ceremony, executive producer Raj Kapoor addressed concerns about safety for guests and attendees. He emphasised that the production team works closely with security agencies every year to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
Kapoor noted that organisers collaborate with several security teams including the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. According to him the main priority is to ensure that everyone attending the ceremony or watching from outside the venue feels safe and welcome.
Reports from industry publication Variety indicated that security presence around the event has been increased but remains largely discreet to avoid disrupting the glamour of the ceremony.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has not issued a detailed statement regarding the security arrangements.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will celebrate the year’s biggest achievements in cinema. This year the film Sinners is leading the nominations with a record breaking 16 nods including Best Picture and Best Director for Ryan Coogler. The movie also features nominations for Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo.
Other major contenders include One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, and Frankenstein.
Several international stars are also expected to appear as presenters during the ceremony including Priyanka Chopra, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Despite security concerns surrounding global tensions the organisers remain confident that the ceremony will proceed successfully while maintaining strict safety measures for guests celebrities and audiences attending Hollywood’s biggest awards night.
