Oscars 2026: Security heightened amid potential Iranian drone threat

Security measures at the 98th Academy Awards have been heightened following an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) warning to California law enforcement about a possible Iranian drone threat.

In Short

• FBI warned of potential Iranian drone threat to Oscars 2026
• Security at the awards heightened due to the alert
• Organisers are working with FBI and LAPD for event safety

Security preparations for the 98th Academy Awards have been strengthened in response to an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) warning of a potential Iranian drone threat aimed at the West Coast. The alert, reported by ABC News, has prompted increased vigilance just days before the Oscars ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Organisers and law enforcement are working closely to ensure the safety of attendees, participants, and the public amid the elevated threat level.

Following the FBI's communication, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department emphasised its ongoing commitment to public safety. In a statement to the LA Times, the department said it was continuing to operate at an “elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance.”

During a press conference held earlier on Wednesday, March 11 with the creative team behind the 98th Oscars, executive producer Raj Kapoor responded to a question regarding the safety of attendees and guests.

“I feel like on this show, we have one of the best teams in the business in all aspects, and that comes down to our security team,” Kapoor said. “So, of course, every year we monitor what’s going on in the world. We have the support of the FBI and the LAPD, and it’s a close collaboration.”

“This show has to run like clockwork,” he said.

“But we want everybody who is coming to this show, who is witnessing the show, who is even a fan of the show, when they’re standing outside the barricades. We want everybody to feel safe, protected, and welcome. It’s our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates, and that really comes down to us with this very tight relationship, and we have a whole other team of support. It’s something that we don’t take lightly and we take a lot of responsibility for," Kapoor added.

As per Variety, during the red carpet rollout, security measures have been heightened, though they remain largely discreet. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, a planned red-carpet walkthrough with talent publicists and studio representatives is scheduled for Thursday, March 12.

This year’s Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, with the official red-carpet show kicking off at 6:30 pm. ET/3:30 pm PT. Despite the heightened security, organisers are focused on ensuring the event maintains its celebratory atmosphere.

Meanwhile, this year, Sinners made history with 16 nominations at Oscars, it was followed by One Battle after Another which received 13 nominations.

- Ends