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Oscars 2026: Heightened Security Rolls Out at Dolby Theatre Amid Middle East Tensions

Oscars 2026: Heightened Security Rolls Out at Dolby Theatre Amid Middle East Tensions
source: gettyimages
March 12, 2026

Los Angeles is hosting this weekend’s Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, with Conan O’Brien set to host the ceremony and the show kicking off Sunday, March 15 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The event is expected to feature intense security measures, including roughly 1,000 private security officers on duty, in addition to uniformed police, extensive surveillance, drones, SWAT units, and bomb-sniffing dogs stationed around the venue.

Sinners and One Battle After Another are the early frontrunners for Best Picture, while actors such as Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Amy Madigan, and Sean Penn are among the leading contenders in their respective categories. In the backdrop of safety concerns, producers are doubling down on precautions to ensure a smooth and secure telecast.

Officials also highlighted a broader security coordinate with federal authorities. ABC News reported that the FBI alerted California police to a potential retaliation scenario from Iran involving drones, tied to tensions in the region. The warning, cited as having been issued in February 2026, noted the possibility of a surprise drone attack against California targets if the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran.

In response, Entertainment Weekly notes that the Oscars’ producers have pledged comprehensive safeguards to keep Sunday’s ceremony safe for everyone, from attendees inside the Dolby Theatre to fans gathered outside.

The LAPD confirmed the deployment of around 1,000 private security personnel to complement uniformed officers, along with cameras, drones, SWAT teams, and bomb-detection dogs. Raj Kapoor, the telecast’s executive producer, spoke at a Wednesday press conference, stressing collaboration with the FBI and LAPD and emphasizing that the event must run like clockwork while ensuring that everyone connected to the show feels safe and welcome.

The Academy Awards will air on ABC this Sunday. For fans looking for related year-end highlights, Dexerto recently shared its picks for the best movies of 2025.

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