Security measures at the Oscars have been significantly enhanced following an FBI alert, with snipers equipped with .50-caliber rifles stationed on rooftops near the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. This heightened security response is in light of concerns about potential threats, including Iran’s rumored plans for a drone strike in California and the activation of sleeper agents in the country.
To counter potential drone threats, SWAT teams will be on standby, ready to neutralize any drone carrying explosive devices. A source emphasized the increased vigilance of authorities, stating that the Oscars ceremony is now more protected than ever.
Arriving A-list celebrities will undergo security procedures inspired by tactics used in the Middle East, including a zig-zag route around concrete barriers to prevent any vehicle from being used as a weapon. Various law enforcement agencies, such as LAPD, FBI, and Homeland Security, will have undercover officers and counterterrorism units strategically placed in the area, along with bomb squads and a one-mile security perimeter.
Although there is no specific threat tied to the Oscars according to LAPD, the event organizers are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all attendees. The producers of the Oscars telecast confirmed the increased security measures during a press conference, highlighting the close collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
In the past, Oscars security has been escalated in response to global events, such as the 9/11 attacks and the Charlie Hebdo massacre. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reiterated its readiness to address potential threats, emphasizing the importance of public safety as the top priority.
The Oscars ceremony, anticipated to be highly competitive this year, is expected to see intense competition in various categories. Notable contenders include Jessie Buckley for Best Actress and a tight race in the Best Actor category among Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan. The Best Film category is also closely contested, with “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” as frontrunners.
Following a racism controversy at the BAFTA ceremony, “Sinners” has garnered attention for its stars, Delroy Lindo and Jordan, who faced racist remarks onstage. However, their dignified response to the incident is believed to have resonated positively with Academy voters.