Oscar Surprise: Kamala Harris Expected At Ceremony Amidst Hollywood Security Lockdown

EXCLUSIVE: No word if Kamala Harris is presenting or not, but the former Vice President will almost certainly be attending the 97th Academy Awards today.

The expected appearance by the 2024 Democratic candidate for the White House comes as security in and around the Dolby Theatre is at an all-time high with a modern-day Praetorian Guard of LAPD, federal law enforcement and more shutting down Hollywood. “All vehicles have to let the dogs in,” one officer was heard saying on a gated and blockades Hollywood Blvd this morning as a convoy of black mini-buses brought in more private security.

This year, at the last minute, Oscar credentialing required even more clearance for red carpet reporters and crew: Green lanyards. In addition to photograph badges for the media, all reporters pre-screened by the police in advance, the AMPAS press office required the wearing of green lanyards.

Said one industry source, “That’s dinosaur stuff. AI knows where you are nowadays. They’re probably ten years behind the technology in the world today.”

“We live in a new evolving security environment,” a federal official told Deadline Sunday as walkie talked Black tie staff and cops surrounded the tented red carpet entrance to the Dolby. “The expected attendance of the former vice president is a major factor in the added security,” the law enforcement office went on to say.

Representatives of AMPAS did not respond to request for comment on Harris coming to the ABC broadcasted 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET Academy Awards today. One insider said they had not heard of Harris coming.

Unusually, the LAPD had no comment on security measure for the event. The post will be updated if either AMPAS or the LAPD do have a statement. Other officials noted that there was some flux if the ex-VP and her husband Doug Emhoff would be in the Dolby for sure with the overheated political climate.

“There are no credible threats,” the federal official added.

Hollywood Blvd is gated on both sides from Cahuenga Boulevard on the East and Le Brea on the West with crossing cut off as of Wilcox. Bomb squads are on site and there is zero access to Highland, though the red carpet can plainly be seen from about a block away. Streets going North and South off Hollywood Blvd are also blocked, with “Road Closed” barrier and police on Highland from Sunset up.

The ex-VP’s anticipated stint at tonight’s Oscars isn’t her first appearance on the Awards circuit this season. Receiving the Chairman’s Award, Harris was at the  NAACP Image Awards on February 22. Without naming her 2024 rival Donald Trump, the now LA resident warned the star studded crowd of  “shadows gathering over our democracy.” 

Harris has also been active on the party circuit too.

The former Veep was at CAA boss Bryan Lourd’s private Oscar soiree on March 1 with a packed crowd of fellow A-listers, I’m told. Staying mum so far on her post-DC plans, former California Attorney General and Senator Harris joined Joe Biden signing with CAA last month.

As for the security around the Oscars, a lot of it is out of site as usual, but still at a heightened level.

Said Kent Moyer, CEO and Founder of The World Protection Group on the great number of cops on the street as Harris rolls into town, “They’re moving out the outer ring of protection”

“Basically, law enforcement wants to show force, and act as a deterrent: You can’t get near the place because it’s fortified. The whole profile looks better.”  

In regard to drone protection, which is become an absolute necessary at awards ceremonies and major entertainment functions throughout the city, Moyer says, “It’s a perfect day for drones because there’s no rain. If you’re not using a drone at an event like this, you’re leaving out an element of protection, which is the fourth ring of protection in the sky. There’s going to be a great number of people at the Oscars. If law enforcement is trying to get to a crime, that drone is the fastest response.”

Any protests nearing the Hollywood ovation area have to be cleared with the LAPD in advance. The question is how big the turnout is, and whether that stalls attendees from getting into the Dolby Theatre and Hollywood and Highland complex.