Oscars 2026: Los Angeles road closures begin ahead of 98th Academy Awards, here are streets to avoid

Hollywood is gearing up for glitz, glamour, and major traffic headaches as the 98th Academy Awards take over the city on Sunday, March 15. Road closures around the Dolby Theatre are already in effect, with more streets set to shut down as the red carpet rolls out.

Current closures (already in effect):

Hollywood Boulevard: Between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue — closed until March 18, including sidewalks and crosswalks.Johnny Grant Way: From Orange Drive to Orchid Avenue — closed until March 21.Hawthorn Alley: Behind El Capitan Theater — closed until March 18.

Closures starting Friday, March 13:

Hawthorn Avenue: From Highland Avenue to Orange Drive — closed until Monday morning, March 16.

Closures on Saturday, March 14:

Orchid Avenue: 60 feet south of Franklin Avenue to Johnny Grant Way — open only to residents, emergency vehicles, and hotel loading.Orange Drive: Between Johnny Grant Way and Hollywood Boulevard — restricted access.Johnny Grant Way: From Highland Avenue to Orange Drive — closed starting 10 p.m.Highland Avenue sidewalks: West side from Johnny Grant Way to Hollywood Boulevard — closed starting 10 p.m.

Day of the Oscars – Sunday, March 15:

Highland Avenue: Closed from Sunset Boulevard to Franklin Avenue from 4 a.m.Hollywood Boulevard: From La Brea Avenue to Cahuenga Boulevard — fully closed.

Hollywood/Highland Metro Station: No train service from late Saturday night until 6 a.m. Monday; commuters should plan alternate routes.Authorities warn drivers and tourists to plan ahead, as Hollywood transforms into a high-security red-carpet zone. Only local residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles will have access during the closures.