- Primary Subject: Oscars 2026 Security Measures
- Key Update: The FBI has issued a cautionary alert to California law enforcement regarding a potential Iranian drone threat, leading to significantly tightened security for the 98th Academy Awards.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: The FBI warned of a potential Iranian drone attack targeting the West Coast, prompting the LAPD and Academy to ramp up security for the March 15 ceremony.
Following a cautionary alert from the FBI regarding potential retaliation of drone threats from Iran, the 98th Academy Awards organizers and California law enforcement are leaving nothing to chance. Here is how Hollywood's biggest night is transforming into one of the most secure zones in the country.
FBI Warns Academy Awards Organizers After Potential Iran "Surprise Attack"
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As per the ABC news, the FBI recently warned California police departments that Iran could potentially retaliate against the US by launching drones at the West Coast.
"We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran," according to the alert issued last month, "We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack."
The Academy Award producers took necessary precautions, as Entertainment Weekly reported: "Academy Award producers have pledged every precaution will be taken to ensure this Sunday's ceremony in Hollywood is safe."
The LAPD announced that around 1000 private security officers will be on duty at the Dolby Theater, along with uniformed officers, surveillance cameras, drones, SWAT units, and bomb-sniffing dogs.
How the Oscars 2026 Plans to Roll Out the Red Carpet Amid Caution
The Oscars 2026 are being handed out in Hollywood's Dolby Theater this Sunday, March 15, 2026, with Conan O'Brien set to oversee the ceremony.
The Oscars' executive producer, Raj Kapoor, reassured at a press conference on Wednesday that the FBI and LAPD are in "close collaboration" to keep the show going.
"This show has to run like clockwork. 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, adding that they are not taking the situation lightly, "So it's our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates."
Once the Oscars ceremony begins at 7 PM EDT / 4 PM PDT, the venue will be locked down.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also announced that he is in "constant coordination with security and intelligence officials" to monitor any potential threats on the state: "While we are not aware of any imminent threats at this time, we remain prepared for any emergency in our state."
Sinners and One Battle After Another remain the top favorites for the Best Picture Oscar, while Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, and Sean Penn are racing for the acting categories.
The 98th Oscars will be available to watch on your local ABC station and will be streaming live on Hulu on Sunday, March 15th at 7 PM EDT / 4 PM PDT / 11 PM GMT.
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