Los Angeles, March 15: Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, security measures for the upcoming Academy Awards in the United States have been intensified. According to media reports, organizers have taken additional precautions following warnings of potential threats.
A report from the international entertainment magazine ‘Variety’ states that a memo from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned Los Angeles officials about the possibility of an unexpected drone attack targeting California from Iran. However, specific potential targets were not disclosed.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. In light of the potential threat, organizers have bolstered security arrangements.
California Governor Gavin Newsom mentioned last week on social media platform X that he is in constant contact with security and intelligence agencies. He noted that there is currently no immediate threat information, but all agencies remain vigilant.
Despite this, the organizers are increasing security measures under “extreme caution.” Raj Kapoor, the executive producer of the ceremony, stated in a press conference last week that the Academy collaborates with security agencies during the Oscars and coordinates with local police, including the Los Angeles Police Department.
This year’s Oscars also feature notable filmmakers from the Middle East. Israeli documentary filmmaker Hila Medalia has been nominated for her film ‘Children No More: War and Are Gone’ in the Best Documentary Short category. Additionally, Meyer Levinson-Blount received a nomination for his film ‘Butcher’s Stain’ in the Best Live-Action Short Film category.
Furthermore, the Palestinian docudrama ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ has been nominated for Best International Feature Film.
Experts suggest that heightened vigilance from security agencies is standard procedure for such large international events amid global political tensions. Authorities have confirmed that the ceremony will proceed as scheduled, with special attention to security.
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