Authorities confirmed that the Los Angeles Police Department is on “tactical alert” throughout the city on Sunday in response to protests aimed at the Academy Awards in Hollywood. The department announced on X, formerly Twitter, “A Dispersal Order was issued in the vicinity of Sunset Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue for Unlawful Assembly.” “Avoid approaching the area.”
Social media platforms disseminated claims that pro-Palestine organizations staged a march through the vicinity, mere blocks from the Dolby Theatre, where this year’s Oscars red carpet festivities drew the most renowned personalities from Hollywood.
Pro-Palestine organizations have initiated the demonstrations to put an end to hostilities in Gaza, where the Israeli military has been active since an October attack led by Hamas. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Police Department alleged earlier this week that at least one group was in charge of an attempt to “stop” the prestigious awards ceremony.
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The aforementioned suspicions were warranted when many organizations—including Writers Against the War on Gaza LA (WAWOG), Film Workers For Palestine, SAG-AFTRA for Ceasefire, and others—issued statements outlining their intentions to organize protests with the intention of “disrupting the Oscars.”
A joint statement from multiple organizations read in part, “While Hollywood revels in its Oscars celebrations, film and entertainment professionals are being silenced through chilling McCarthyite censorship and blacklisting of individuals who advocate for Palestinian freedom and oppose Israeli genocide, apartheid, and occupation.”
“We commend the artists who have undertaken professional risks through actions such as posting, donning ceasefire pins, or signing petitions. However, in consideration of the losses suffered by Palestinians, we urge them to increase their efforts and leverage their platforms to resist an industry that stifles dissent, particularly in opposition to genocide.”
Organizers’ Plan For Protesters
Details of the organizers’ strategy to prevent protestors from taking center stage during the Oscar ceremony on March 10 are being withheld. Deadline understands, meanwhile, that the goal is to keep incoming attendees a good distance away from the throngs of protestors that are clogging the streets. This year’s ABC broadcast ceremony begins one hour early at 4 p.m. PT, and part of the organizers’ mission is to ensure that nominees, presenters, and guests get a chance to stroll the tented red carpet.
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But the LAPD did provide some insight into how strict security will be on Sunday, since they were out and about this weekend in the streets and behind the scenes of the Oscars alongside Homeland Security and other law enforcement organizations.
Regarding the police’s involvement, LAPD Commander Randy Goddard stated, “Officers are working closely with event organizers and security agencies, implementing comprehensive measures to ensure a safe Oscars experience for all.”
Cmdr. Goddard continued, “LAPD is bolstering security to prevent disruptions by demonstrators.” In addition to keeping the event safe, he said, “LAPD will ensure the safe arrival and entry of guests into the Oscars venue.” He also mentioned that the department will be in communication with those who plan to protest to ensure that their right to free speech and assembly is upheld.