Oscars 2026: Security Tightened Amid Iran War Concerns, Conan O’Brien Aims for Balance
Hollywood is preparing for the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday, but the celebration is unfolding under a cloud of heightened security concerns due to the ongoing Iran war and reported threats to California. The ceremony will also see host Conan O’Brien navigate the challenge of balancing entertainment with acknowledgment of current global realities.
Increased Security Measures
The FBI recently warned that Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack on unspecified targets in California, prompting a significant security response. Approximately 1,000 private security officers will be deployed around the Dolby Theatre, supplemented by uniformed LAPD officers, surveillance cameras, and drones . A one-mile perimeter will be established, with thorough checks of all individuals and vehicles attempting to enter the area .
Oscars telecast executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor emphasized the commitment to safety, stating they are working closely with the FBI and LAPD to ensure the well-being of attendees and fans . “We seek everybody that is coming to this show…we want everybody to feel safe and protected and welcome,” Kapoor said at a press conference.
Conan O’Brien on Balancing Levity and Gravity
As host, Conan O’Brien acknowledges the delicate balance between providing entertainment and addressing the serious global context, particularly the ongoing Iran war. He drew a parallel to last year’s Academy Awards, which took place following the L.A. Wildfires .
“My job is to always try and hit this very, very thin line between entertaining people and also acknowledging some of the realities,” O’Brien stated during a news conference . He recalled Johnny Carson’s approach during the Iran hostage crisis in the late 1970s and early 1980s, noting Carson’s ability to create topical and unifying humor even during a tense period.
Celebrating “Human Touch” and Global Stories
The creative team is focusing on a theme of “human touch,” a deliberate contrast to artificial intelligence. Music director Michael Bearden emphasized the desire to celebrate “human connection and what I like to call actual intelligence” .
The ceremony will feature performances including “KPop Demon Hunters” and a “Sinners” moment with a diverse group of artists. Producers highlighted their commitment to showcasing global stories and celebrating international films .
Reunions and Surprises
The show will also include reunions featuring cast members from “Bridesmaids” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rose Byrne, a nominee for her role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” is also part of the “Bridesmaids” reunion . Producers teased the presence of “superstars, superheroes, and…an extraterrestrial” on stage.
The 97th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday at 4 p.m. Pacific, with streaming options available on Hulu, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV .