Kamala Harris Seemingly Backs Out Of 2025 Oscars Amid Security Measures

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was rumored to make a high-profile appearance at the 97th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles amidst heightened security measures, but plans have changed.

The 97th Academy Awards have been generating buzz ever since Conan O’Brien was announced as the host. This year's ceremony promises plenty of excitement, with no clear frontrunners in many of the major categories. “Emilia Pérez” leads the pack with 13 nominations, while “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” follow closely behind with 10 nominations each.

​Despite earlier reports suggesting that Kamala Harris would attend the 97th Academy Awards, her husband, Doug Emhoff, indicated via social media that she would not be present.

Despite earlier reports suggesting that former Vice President Kamala Harris would attend the 97th Academy Awards, ex-Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff announced that she would be staying home, per Deadline.

The decision comes amidst significantly heightened security at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

“We live in a new evolving security environment,” a federal official told Deadline when rumors suggested Harris would appear. “The expected attendance of the former vice president is a major factor in the added security,” the law enforcement officer added.

Hollywood Boulevard is fully gated on both sides, stretching from Cahuenga Boulevard to the east and La Brea Avenue to the west, with cross-traffic cut off at Wilcox Avenue. Bomb squads are stationed on-site, and access to Highland Avenue is completely restricted, although the red carpet remains visible from about a block away. All north and southbound streets off Hollywood Boulevard are also blocked, featuring "Road Closed" barriers and a heavy police presence along Highland from Sunset Boulevard upward.

“There are no credible threats,” the officer confirmed.

This comes just one week after Kamala Harris made her first public television appearance since leaving the White House, delivering a powerful address at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.

During the ceremony at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Harris received a standing ovation as she accepted the prestigious Chairman’s Award, which honors individuals who "excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change."

In her speech, Harris reflected on the NAACP’s enduring legacy, drawing parallels between the organization’s founding and today’s climate.

“This organization came into being at a moment when our country struggled with greed, bitterness, and hatred,” she said. “And those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against, no illusions about how stony the road would be.”

Born in Oakland, Harris previously served as California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator before making history as the first woman, Black American, and South Asian American to serve as Vice President alongside President Joe Biden. Her remarks at the NAACP Image Awards, which included a subtle dig at President Donald Trump and his associate Elon Musk, set the tone for her reemergence on the public stage.

Recognizing the frustration many Americans are experiencing amid today's political and environmental challenges, especially in the wake of her defeat by Trump in the last presidential election, Harris sought to offer reassurance.

“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history,” she said. “Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

The 2025 Oscars have kicked off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and has already been the talk of the town.

With no clear frontrunners in many major categories, the competition is fierce. "Emilia Pérez" leads the nominations with 13 nods, while "The Brutalist" and "Wicked" are close behind with 10 nominations each.