Police will throw a physical “ring of steel” around Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony to thwart terror threats and expected mass protests in Hollywood.
More than a mile of eight-foot-high chain link fencing and scores of crush barriers will surround the Academy Awards at LA’s Dolby Theatre, where more than 500 uniformed officers will be supported by a small army of 2,000 private security guards.
FBI counter-terrorism experts will also be on standby as a huge stretch of famous Hollywood Boulevard is completely closed off to the public, with scores of CCTV cameras and surveillance drones monitoring the entire area.
LAPD Commander Randy Goddard, who is leading the biggest-ever security operation in Oscar history, said his officers will maintain a high-profile presence to “prevent disruptions by demonstrators.”
He added: “The LAPD is preparing for all potential protests, including protests regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The LAPD will also manage any potential blockades around the venue to make sure that guests can safely enter. Officers are working closely with event organisers and security agencies, implementing comprehensive measures to ensure a safe Oscars experience for all.”
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Pro-Palestine demonstrations caused massive delays to guests arriving at last month’s Grammy Awards in LA and Academy chiefs have vowed to avoid similar disruption tonight.
A spokesman also confirmed there will be no attempts to “censor” winners’ speeches if they refer to the Middle East turmoil that has divided Tinseltown. Several stars are expected to wear yellow ribbons in support of hostages.
Others, including Bradley Cooper and Mark Ruffalo – both of whom are nominees tonight – are among 260 stars who have signed a letter urging President Biden and Congress to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
On stage tonight, British hopes will be led by Oppenheimer filmmaker Christopher Nolan, who could break his Oscar duck, despite five previous nominations, by walking away with three golden statuettes – for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Oppenheimer star Emily Blunt, 41, could add to the movie’s impressive awards haul with a win as Best Supporting Actress while fellow Londoner Carey Mulligan, 38, is considered a strong contender to land Best Actress for her role in Maestro.
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Both appeared to be keeping a low-profile this weekend at a raft of pre-awards parties, with veteran actress Jane Seymour and singer Ellie Goulding spotted at a Vanity Fair event while evergreen Joan Collins, 90, helped fly the flag at the annual British Consulate Oscar Nominee Reception in LA on Friday night.
British Consul General Emily Cloke toasted the achievements of home-grown talent, declaring: “It’s another really great year for the UK nominees and to see UK creativity recognised once again by the Academy.”
Those who don’t walk away with a gold statue will, at least, find some comfort in their Oscar goodie bags, this year worth an eye-popping $178,000 (£138,000) each.
The most expensive gift is a three-day stay for up to ten people at a luxury Swiss ski chalet in Zermatt, worth $50,000 (£39,000). Recipients can also book a private show by magician and “mentalist to the stars” Carl Christman as well as receiving many smaller items such as a collectors’ edition Rubik’s Cube and a fold-up “mini seat” on which to place one’s handbag in a restaurant.
