With the 98th Academy Awards ceremony just days away, scheduled for March 15th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the organization of Hollywood's biggest night isn't solely focused on trophies and prestigious guests. Against a backdrop of escalating military tensions in the Middle East, US authorities and the ceremony's producers have decided to increase security around the event. The possibility of an Iranian attack on California, raised by intelligence services, has thus entered the conversation in Hollywood.
A strengthened security response to concerns
At a press conference held on March 11, the ceremony's executive producers, Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor, confirmed that the Oscars would benefit from enhanced security measures in cooperation with the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. The goal is to ensure the safety of guests, as well as that of the spectators gathered outside the Dolby Theatre, where approximately 3,400 people are expected for the evening.
This heightened vigilance comes after the release of an internal FBI memo revealed by ABC News. According to this document, Iran considered a surprise attack in early February using drones launched from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast, targeting locations in California if the United States launched strikes against Tehran. While this scenario remains hypothetical, local authorities prefer to anticipate any risk. When questioned by The Hollywood Reporter, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department described a "high level of alert" and the constant sharing of information related to the conflict in the Middle East.
Hollywood, a symbolic target of American soft power
Beyond the immediate security risks, the ceremony also represents a major cultural symbol for the United States. The Oscars embody Hollywood's global influence and are therefore a highly visible showcase, which explains the special attention paid to their security this year. Authorities are also mentioning various forms of possible threats, ranging from drone attacks to actions carried out by lone individuals or cyberattacks.
Despite these concerns, the White House is trying to reassure the public. When questioned about the possibility of an Iranian attack on American soil, Donald Trump He dismissed this hypothesis, while California Governor Gavin Newsom assured viewers on the X network that no imminent threat had been identified, adding that the state remained prepared to respond "to any eventuality." In this tense context, the Oscars ceremony is expected to take place under heavy security, as the conflict in the Middle East could also be a topic of discussion during the speeches delivered on stage.
