Plans for glitz and glory at the 2026 Academy Awards are staying on schedule, but with an extra batch of security checks. Producers say they want everyone to feel safe at the Dolby Theatre after an FBI alert warned of a possible drone threat tied to Iran aimed at California.

Producers promise calm, cops promise vigilance

At a press conference just days before showtime, Oscars telecast executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor said security will be increased. Kapoor emphasized cooperation with federal and local agencies, noting support from the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Kapoor said that the show "has to run like clockwork," and that the producing team wants everyone at the ceremony and anyone watching nearby to "feel safe and protected and welcome."

What local law enforcement is saying

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department replied with a measured statement that its readiness is elevated. They said they are maintaining increased vigilance, sharing intelligence with federal and local partners, and monitoring developments tied to the Middle East conflict to assess any possible impacts on communities.

The department added that public safety is their top priority, and that they are attentive to potential threats including lone actors, sleeper cells, and technologically advanced or cyber-related dangers.

The FBI alert, in plain terms

Recent reporting says the FBI distributed an alert at the end of February indicating that, as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to carry out a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles launched from an unidentified vessel off the U.S. coast. The alert said unspecified targets in California were mentioned as potential targets in the event the U.S. conducted strikes against Iran.

The alert also noted that there was no additional information available about timing, method, specific targets, or perpetrators.

State response and wider context

California’s governor has said he is coordinating with security and intelligence officials, and that while no imminent threats are known, state teams are prepared for any emergency.

These precautions come amid heightened tensions after military strikes at the end of February targeted Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear-related sites, and leadership, with concerns that such actions could prompt retaliation. Given that backdrop, officials say increased security is mostly about being ready and reassuring the public.

What this means for Oscar night

  • Expect visible law enforcement presence around the Dolby Theatre and nearby areas.
  • Producers and police say the ceremony will proceed as planned, with extra measures to protect attendees and onlookers.
  • Organizers stress there is no specific public threat identified for the event, and that the steps are precautionary.

So yes, bring your tux or your sparkly dress. But also don’t be surprised if you see tighter security than last year. When the stakes are higher than a surprise wardrobe malfunction, organizers prefer caution and calm.