LAPD Plans For Heightened Security At Oscars Ahead Of Expected Protests: Report

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department plans to beef up security at the Academy Awards Sunday in preparation for potential protests related to the Israel-Hamas war, the New York Times reported.

“It’s going to be our goal to ensure that the Academy Awards is successful, that guests can arrive safely and get into the venue,” LAPD Cmdr. Randy Goddard told the Times. “But, also, we are going to try very hard to make contact with the groups as they show up, and lay out the expectation that we as the police are here to support your First Amendment constitutional rights.”

Based on intelligence gathered by the LAPD, including social media posts, at least one group "would like to stop the Academy Awards," according to Goddard, who is heading the LAPD's efforts at the Oscars.

Goddard told the Times that police aim to "help facilitate" any march or demonstration, but would not allow protestors to break the law or prevent guests from arriving safely at the ceremony, set for Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Dolby Theatre.

Protestors have been targeting high-profile award shows. Last month, red-carpet arrivals at the Grammys stalled when a protest calling for an end to Israel’s ongoing attack on Gaza gathered outside the Crypto.com Arena, Variety reported.

During the Grammys ceremony, Annie Lennox punctuated the end of her performance with a call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

And later in February, a pro-Palestinian protestor's chats calling for a ceasefire could be heard throughout the Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, Deadline reported.