Kamala Harris 'sends Oscars into lockdown ahead of unexpected attendance'

Kamala Harris is reportedly due to make a surprise guest appearance at tonight's Oscar Awards.

The former Vice President's sudden attendance is said to have caused chaos with security concerns. According to reports, the politician will be attending the event but it isn't sure whether she is set to present an Academy Award. The Mirror have reached out to her reps for comment.

The Oscars are set to honour the hardworking firefighters and workers who battled the wildfires that destroyed Los Angeles homes earlier this year. Harris, who was previously a Democrat senator for California, could be leading the event's segment on the devastating fires.

According to locals, Hollywood's Dolby Theatre's security has been tightened and vehicles wanting to get through security need to let sniffer dogs inside. It has been reported a large number of black minibuses transporting a security team was seen entering the compound.

One federal official working the glitzy annual told Deadline: "We live in a new evolving security environment. The expected attendance of the former vice president is a major factor in the added security." Meanwhile, executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor told the Associated Press (AP) has teased that there will be heartfelt moments throughout the show.

Teasing that fans can enjoy the ceremony even if they haven't seen all of the films nominated, Raj said: "If you love the movies, like come to the Oscars and maybe you'll discover things that you actually have not seen yet but will want to. Hopefully you'll fall in love even with a few pictures while watching the show." Meanwhile, executive producer Katy Mullan added: "We've got some reunions that I think will hit people in the heart."

Last year, it was announced that Conan O'Brien would be fronting the awards for the first time.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said they felt "thrilled and honoured" that the "incomparable" O'Brien had accepted the role. Yang said Conan is the "perfect" choice because of his "brilliant humour, his love of movies, his live TV expertise, and remarkable ability to connect with audiences". The academy hoped Conan will draw viewers in to "honour the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year".

Talk show host O'Brien is replacing Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted for the past two years. Meanwhile, Amelia Dimoldenberg is hosting the red carpet interviews.