LA Confident in Oscars Security Despite Drone Threat Concerns

Officials say extensive security plans are in place for the high-profile event.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:19pm

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Despite heightened fears of a potential drone attack in the wake of recent tensions with Iran, Los Angeles officials say they are confident in the security plans for this weekend's Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theater. The LAPD and FBI have been working closely with the Academy on extensive security preparations, including layered perimeters, traffic management, and a visible police presence, though they declined to address specifics around the reported drone threat.

Why it matters

The Oscars is one of the most high-profile and well-attended events in Los Angeles each year, making it a potential target for any kind of attack. Authorities are taking the reported drone threat seriously, but say there are no specific credible threats against the city or the event itself.

The details

While officials won't confirm if security will be bolstered due to the drone threat, they say extensive preparations have been underway for months. This includes layered security perimeters, traffic management plans, and a highly visible police presence throughout the Hollywood area. The LAPD, FBI, and Academy have declined to directly address the reported FBI memo warning of a potential drone attack, which the White House has since called 'unverified' information.

  • The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • The reported FBI memo warning of a potential drone threat was issued on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The White House downplayed the drone threat report on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is working closely with the Academy and regional partners to ensure security for the Oscars event.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which routinely collaborates with local law enforcement on security for high-profile events in Los Angeles.

The Academy

The organization that hosts the annual Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary, who called for the reported FBI memo on the drone threat to be retracted, saying the information was 'unverified'.

Hal Kempfer

A retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer with extensive public-safety experience, who commented on the challenges of countering drone threats at large events.

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What they’re saying

“The Academy Awards is one of the largest and most celebrated events hosted in the city of Los Angeles each year. The Los Angeles Police Department works closely with the Academy and our regional public-safety partners to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all attendees, workers, and visitors.”

— LAPD (whittierdailynews.com)

“The FBI routinely works with our local law enforcement partners responsible for security at special events in and around Los Angeles, including the Academy Awards, in order to share intelligence and provide resources where needed.”

— Laura Eimiller, FBI spokesperson (whittierdailynews.com)

“Part of the problem with drones here at home — if you see a drone out there, is it a kamikaze drone, it is a threat? If I use something to take the drone down in a crowded area … it is going to come down on someone?”

— Hal Kempfer, Retired U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer (whittierdailynews.com)

What’s next

The LAPD and FBI will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate closely with the Academy to ensure the safety and security of the Oscars event.

The takeaway

While authorities are taking the reported drone threat seriously, they remain confident in the extensive security plans in place for the high-profile Oscars ceremony. The event's long history of tight security measures and close collaboration between law enforcement and organizers is expected to ensure a safe and successful event for all attendees.