Organizers of the 98th Oscars say security is being closely managed ahead of Sunday’s ceremony following reports of an FBI alert warning California law enforcement about a possible retaliatory drone attack tied to Iran, though officials say there is no confirmed imminent threat.
The Academy Awards will take place March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien set to host. The telecast will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu.
The security concerns emerged after ABC News reported on an FBI bulletin that referenced Iran’s aspiration to launch a surprise drone attack on the U.S. West Coast. Subsequent reporting from Reuters and the Associated Press said the alert was based on a single unverified tip, and both the White House and California officials said there is no credible or immediate threat.
Still, Oscars producers said they remain in close coordination with law enforcement. Executive producer Raj Kapoor said the show works each year with the FBI and LAPD and takes responsibility for making sure attendees, fans and everyone around the event feel safe.
Reports from the red carpet setup indicated that security had been heightened, though not in an overtly visible way.
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