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Los Angeles drivers were left stranded and out of pocket when their cars were towed to make way for the 2026 Oscars red carpet on Sunday, US time.
According to local media, dozens of cars parked in the streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood were removed by tow trucks on Sunday morning before the awards ceremony began.
"Like tons of cars. About 100 at least," a woman told Fox LA of the scene. "I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. It was a frenzy," she added.
Some of the cars that were towed were parked blocks away from the theatre, and bystanders claimed nearby parking signs made no mention of Sunday parking restrictions.
"The signs even confused the officers issuing tickets," the woman said. "When I questioned, ‘Does this sign make sense to you?’ they were like, ‘No. We don’t know why we’re giving tickets.’"
Those who had their cars towed were reportedly forced to pay USD$409 (AUD$578) to retrieve them, and many drivers also received sizeable parking tickets.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) said it provided plenty of warning to drivers in accordance with its protocols for major event parking.
"LADOT posted signs on Vine Street to restrict parking on Friday for the Academy Awards event setup, as well as signs to restrict parking on Sunday for the event itself. Motorists can request a hearing if they believe their vehicle was towed in error," it said in a statement to Fox LA.
However, locals in the area argued the disruptions were unfair and inconsiderate, given they affected everyday people living, working and studying in the area.
"There's a high school down the street. Love the Oscars, but it's definitely frustrating," one woman told Fox LA.
"Because these big parties are happening, it doesn’t mean people stop living," another witness said. "You can’t just remove human beings and charge them for their existence just because you’re going to have a party."
Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and three-year-old son.
