Oscars 2026 Enhances Security Following FBI Iran Drone Alert

Security measures for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday at the Dolby Theatre, have been significantly enhanced following an FBI alert about a potential Iranian drone attack on California targets. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan clarified during a press briefing that while the event always maintains robust protocols, the warning prompted closer collaboration with the FBI and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to ensure attendee safety without disrupting the glamour of Hollywood's biggest night.

The FBI issued the alert in late February amid escalating US-Iran tensions, triggered by coordinated military strikes from the Trump administration and Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. Authorities warned of possible retaliatory "surprise attacks" using unmanned aerial vehicles on unspecified West Coast locations, raising alarms just as Oscars preparations intensified with red-carpet rehearsals underway.

Kapoor emphasised the production team's confidence in their "finest security apparatus in the industry," noting annual vigilance on global events but heightened focus this year. "We want everyone—attendees, viewers, and fans outside the barricades—to feel safe, protected, and welcomed," he stated, highlighting deployments of around 1,000 private security personnel alongside LAPD's uniformed officers, surveillance drones, SWAT teams, bomb squads, and canine units around Hollywood.

Also Read: Vishal Bhardwaj Declares Cinema of Heart Under Siege

Mullan echoed the reassurance, stressing the Academy's priority on well-being amid the ceremony's high-profile guests, including A-list stars and international nominees. California Governor Gavin Newsom is personally monitoring developments, coordinating with federal and local intelligence to counter any threats, including potential cyber disruptions tied to the conflict.

The clarification comes as media speculation amplified fears of an Iran-linked strike specifically targeting the Oscars, but producers downplayed direct threats to the venue while affirming no compromises on precautions. This scenario mirrors past high-security events like the Super Bowl, where layered defences neutralise risks from geopolitical flashpoints.​​

Organisers remain optimistic the show will proceed seamlessly, showcasing cinematic achievements from a year of blockbusters and indies. The episode underscores evolving challenges for mega-events in an era of drone warfare and proxy conflicts, with law enforcement vowing sustained vigilance through the weekend

Also Read: Aamir Praises Junaid's Cinema Insight; Actor Has Inked Two More Projects