Kamala Harris has dispelled rumors regarding a potential surprise appearance at the Oscars on Sunday night by sharing a behind-the-scenes look at her home ‘watch party.’
Earlier that day, the former vice president was mentioned as a guest for the 97th annual event, with speculation suggesting she might lead a segment honoring the Los Angeles firefighters who bravely battled severe wildfires in January.
However, her husband, Doug, quelled those speculations just an hour before the ceremony commenced by posting on X with the caption: ‘Oscars watch party prep.’ The accompanying photo showed a makeup-free Harris pouring Doritos into a bowl, her hair styled in a bun, and dressed in a black sweater, all while smiling in what appeared to be their kitchen.
Deadline, a prominent Hollywood publication, had reported on Harris’ anticipated attendance earlier that afternoon, citing a federal source who indicated that increased security measures at the event were partly due to her expected presence.
The ceremony aimed to honor the firefighters and personnel who responded to the deadly wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January, causing extensive damage throughout the city.
Additionally, there are rumors suggesting that Harris may be contemplating a future campaign for the governorship of California, which could position her to lead the Oscars segment dedicated to the fires.
Local reports indicate that security at the Dolby Theatre, the venue for the 97th Oscars, is at an unprecedented level.
All vehicles attempting to pass through the security checkpoint are required to allow sniffer dogs to inspect them, as noted by an officer.
A significant convoy of black minibuses carrying elite private security personnel was also observed entering the premises.
A federal official involved in the event remarked to Deadline: ‘We live in a new evolving security landscape.’
The anticipated presence of the former vice president significantly contributes to the heightened security measures in place. Authorities have indicated that there are no credible threats associated with the event, and the extensive security arrangements are merely precautionary. The Los Angeles Police Department has declined to provide comments regarding the notable increase in security, which has been described as atypical by Deadline.
Harris was recently seen with Doug Emhoff at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena on February 22. Her attendance at the Oscars tonight marks her most prominent public appearance since departing from Washington, D.C., in January. A security drone has been observed monitoring the area in advance of the ceremony scheduled for Sunday night.
A large decorative Oscars statuette is displayed on the red carpet for the 97th Academy Awards ceremony. The Oscars, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are set to be broadcast at 7 PM ET on Sunday.
In recent years, the Oscars have faced criticism for prioritizing niche films with progressive themes over more mainstream, crowd-pleasing productions. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, who is recognized for steering clear of political humor. However, this may not deter former President Trump, a past reality television star, who has frequently expressed his disapproval of the event. Last year, he remarked that host Jimmy Kimmel was the least effective in the show’s history.
Among the favorites to win awards this year are the heartwarming romantic comedy “Anora” and “The Brutalist,” featuring Adrien Brody in the role of a brutalist architect.
