Oscars Terror Alert as Iran Drone Fears Ramps Hollywood
Conan O’Brien and Hollywood’s biggest stars are bracing themselves for what insiders have said RadarOnline.com will be a night overshadowed by fear – after a chilling warning, Iran could attempt a drone strike on California as the Oscars unfold.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O’Brien, 62, and attended by leading nominees including Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet.
But behind the usual red carpet glamor, security teams have quietly escalated precautions after the FBI warned that Iran law enforcement may have been investigating the launch of drones toward the US west coast in retaliation for recent US military action.
Authorities said the intelligence is precautionary and has no confirmed targets or timing, but the warning has led to coordination among federal agencies, the Los Angeles Police Department and private security units monitoring Hollywood’s most high-profile event.
Oscars executive producer Raj Kapoor acknowledged the tense backdrop and stressed that organizers are relying on extensive security planning to protect the event.
He said: “I feel like we have one of the best teams in the business in every respect at this show, and that comes down to our security team. So of course we keep an eye on what’s happening in the world every year.
“We have the support of the FBI and the LAPD, and it’s a close partnership.
“This show has to run like clockwork. But we want everyone who comes to this show, who witnesses the show, who is even a fan of the show, to be outside the barricades. We want everyone to feel safe, protected and welcome.
“It’s our job as a production team to make sure that translates, and that really comes down to us having this very close relationship, and we have a whole different team of support.
“It is something we do not take lightly and we take a lot of responsibility for.”
A private security contractor who works with several A-list celebrities expected to attend the ceremony said fear has spread among those preparing to walk the red carpet.
He told us: ‘There is genuine anxiety behind the scenes because everyone understands that the Oscars are one of the most visible events in the world. If anyone wanted attention, that stage would get it.
“Customers are now asking detailed questions about evacuation routes, airspace monitoring and how quickly the site can be shut down if something appears in the sky.”
“No one is saying the threat is certain, but the fact that federal agencies have issued the warning has people nervous.
“When you start talking about drones being launched from offshore ships, it immediately raises the stakes.
“The industry has been told that security will be extremely tight, but some celebrities are still nervous because the technology involved means threats can come from places you can’t easily see.”
Law enforcement agencies across California have stepped up to strengthen security around large gatherings as tensions rise due to the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Officials say surveillance, intelligence sharing and protective measures around the Oscars venue have been increased, including increased patrols, controlled perimeters and specialist response units.
Authorities insist there is no confirmed plot targeting the ceremony itself, but they say the warning has led to heightened vigilance as Hollywood prepares for one of the most globally watched nights in showbiz.
