Oscars 2026: Security tightens after FBI alert as the star-studded presenter lineup builds excitement

Hollywood’s biggest night is just days away, and the excitement is building as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reveals more presenters for the 98th Academy Awards.

Set for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, yet heightened security now shares the spotlight after an FBI alert about potential threats.

FBI alert prompts swift security boost amid Oscars 2026

The FBI warned California police in late February about possible drone attacks from offshore vessels tied to Iran. The alert flags retaliation risks amid U.S.-Iran tensions, with unmanned aircraft targeting coastal sites. ABC News broke the story, noting that no exact details on timing or location were available.Producers stayed quiet on the alert itself. Their statement soon followed, highlighting tight coordination with the FBI and LAPD. According to ABC News, Executive producer Raj Kapoor told media that security stays "tight and ready," with 1,000 private guards backing LAPD, SWAT, bomb squads, surveillance, and K-9 units around Hollywood.

Star-studded lineup

Meanwhile, excitement builds with fresh presenter announcements. Nicole Kidman, known for standout roles in 'Moulin Rouge'! and 'The Hours,' joins Channing Tatum of Magic Mike fame.

Pedro Pascal from The Last of Us and The Mandalorian adds his charm, alongside Rose Byrne, Jimmy Kimmel, Delroy Lindo, Ewan McGregor, Wagner Moura, Sigourney Weaver, and the Pullman duo, Bill and Lewis.Earlier reveals featured last year’s acting winners Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldana. Icons like Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paul Mescal, Will Arnett, Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Demi Moore, Kumail Nanjiani, and Maya Rudolph complete the lineup.

This blend of action stars and comedy greats turns every handover into a highlight.

Fans await a surprise amid high stakes

Picture Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor sharing a Moulin Rouge! Reunion nod. Or Channing Tatum’s playfulness meeting Pedro Pascal’s dry wit. Nominees fuel the buzz, led by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with 16 nods, including Best Picture. Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' trails at 13.Best Picture hopefuls like 'Frankenstein', 'Hamnet,' 'Marty Supreme', 'Bugonia', 'F1', 'The Secret Agent', 'Sentimental Value,' and 'Train Dreams 'showcase bold stories.Hosted by Conan O’Brien in his second year, the show airs live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and streams on Hulu. The organizers bank on tried and tested methods, now more robust, to ensure the safety of stars and fans.