Oscars Increase Security After FBI Warns of Possible Iran Drone Threat

The annual awards show is taking extra precautions following an alert about potential retaliation by Iran on the West Coast.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The organizers of the Academy Awards say safety preparations are routine and robust after news of an FBI alert surfaced ahead of this year's Oscars. Security has been increased around the event after the FBI warned law enforcement about the potential for an Iranian drone threat to the West Coast.

Why it matters

The Oscars is one of the most high-profile events in the entertainment industry, drawing global attention and A-list celebrities. Any potential security threat, especially one related to geopolitical tensions, would be a major concern for the event's organizers and attendees.

The details

According to an alert reported by ABC News, the FBI notified law enforcement across California in recent days that Iran could potentially retaliate for American military actions by launching drones toward the West Coast. While the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department officials would not comment on the memo, they said the department was continuing to operate at an 'elevated level of readiness and is maintaining increased vigilance.' The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, said they are working closely with the FBI and LAPD to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the event.

  • The 98th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • The official red-carpet show will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

The players

Raj Kapoor

Executive producer of the 98th Academy Awards.

Conan O'Brien

The host of the 98th Academy Awards.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for security in the Los Angeles area, including the Oscars event.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The organization that oversees and produces the annual Academy Awards ceremony.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which warned California law enforcement about a potential Iranian drone threat.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Raj Kapoor, Executive producer of the 98th Academy Awards (Variety)

“This show has to run like clockwork. 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.”

— Raj Kapoor, Executive producer of the 98th Academy Awards (Variety)

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is continuing to work closely with law enforcement and security agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees and guests at the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The increased security measures at the Oscars highlight the ongoing concerns about potential threats to high-profile events, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions. The organizers' focus on ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved in the ceremony demonstrates their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for the celebration of film.