Security preparations for the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles have been significantly intensified after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned of the possibility of drone attacks in California amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to a report by Los Angeles Magazine, the warning came just days before the Oscars ceremony, prompting local and federal authorities to review and beef up security measures for Hollywood’s biggest night.
The concerns come amid speculation that Iran could retaliate against the United States following recent missile attacks by the US and Israel. Some reports suggested the possibility of drone strikes targeting the US West Coast, including California.
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However, officials say there is currently no confirmed threat directed at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, where the Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday night.
Despite the absence of a specific threat, law enforcement authorities decided to increase security around the event as a precaution.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told NBC Los Angeles that uniformed officers, surveillance systems and drones will be deployed around the scene. Authorities also work closely with federal agencies and private security teams assigned to the awards ceremony.
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Nearly 1,000 private security personnel are expected to be stationed at or near the Dolby Theater during the event.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it is operating at a “heightened level of readiness” and maintaining heightened vigilance while coordinating with multiple security partners.
“We want to assure every Angeleno that we continue to coordinate with all of our federal, state and local partners in sharing intelligence and information during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” the LAPD said in a statement.
“We share this information in real time, assess each credible lead and adjust our stance as necessary to keep our city safe.”
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As part of the security plan, specialized law enforcement units will also be deployed, including SWAT teams and bomb squads equipped with sniffer dogs.
Authorities have set up a one-mile security perimeter around the Dolby Theatre. Persons and vehicles attempting to enter the closed zone will be screened and checked before entry is allowed.
Once patrons enter the theater, the venue will be locked and the doors will remain closed until the end of the ceremony. Security inspections of the venue are also expected to take place several times throughout the day.
Law enforcement sources told NBC News that there are no concrete or credible threats of Iranian drone strikes against California despite reports circulating in some media outlets.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said state officials are closely monitoring news outlets and coordinating with local and federal agencies.
“Drone issues have always been at the forefront and we have put together task forces specifically around those issues,” he said during a news conference.
His office added that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively working with security agencies to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the FBI confirmed it would continue to support local authorities during high-profile events such as the Academy Awards by sharing intelligence and providing resources when needed, Reuters reported.
A security bulletin previously sent out by the FBI warned law enforcement of the possibility that Iran could attempt retaliatory drone strikes if the U.S. carried out strikes on Iranian targets.
The document states that Iranian actors have reportedly explored the idea of launching drones from vessels at sea toward targets in California. However, the bulletin also said authorities had no further information about the timing, targets or methods of any potential attack.
The warning resurfaced publicly as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States escalated following the outbreak of hostilities in late February.
While officials stress that the Oscars are not in immediate danger, the increased security presence reflects broader concerns about global geopolitical tensions and the need to protect major international events.
