Oscars Get Enhanced Security Following Threat of Iranian Retaliatory Drone Attack

Local and federal officials have tightened security for Sunday’s Academy Awards in response to heightened retaliatory threats from Iran, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles.

This week it was revealed that the FBI had informed California law enforcement agencies that Iran may seek to retaliate against America’s attack on Iran by sending drones to strike targets in the state.

California officials stressed that there are no credible or specific threats against the state, including the Oscars. Nevertheless, the LAPD will be deploying additional uniformed officers, specialized units including SWAT and bomb squads, surveillance cameras, and drones for the awards show. They’ll be supplemented by federal officials and about 1,000 private security officers.

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“We want to reassure every Angeleno that we continue to coordinate with all of our Federal, State, and local partners for intelligence and information sharing during the ongoing Middle East conflict,” the LAPD said in a statement. “We share this information in real time, assess every credible lead, and adjust our posture as needed to ensure the safety of our City.”

During Wednesday’s Oscars kick-off festivities, where host Conan O’Brien rolled out the literal red carpet, executive producer Raj Kapoor further addressed the reported threat and the increased security. Kapoor said that the Oscars has among the “best teams in the business in all aspects, and that comes down to our security team.”

“This show has to run like clockwork,” Kapoor 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.”

Enhanced security aside, this year’s Oscars should still be quite the show. The evening’s music performers are centered on two of 2025’s biggest global pop culture events: KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners. Additionally, there is a planned tribute to the late Rob Reiner.

For even more coverage, check out our list of this year’s Oscar snubs and surprises. Plus, see our guide for where to watch all of this year’s nominated films.

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15th at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, airing live at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT on ABC and streaming on Hulu. (The red carpet begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.)