3.9-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Hollywood During Oscars Festivities

LOS ANGELES — A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck Hollywood shortly after the Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, sending a jolt through a city teeming with celebration. The quake’s epicenter was located in North Hollywood, approximately two miles from the Dolby Theatre, where the prestigious awards ceremony had just concluded.

The earthquake occurred at about 10:13 p.m. local time, disrupting the Vanity Fair afterparty, a gathering of Hollywood’s elite. Witnesses described a sudden, intense shaking, with some screaming as high-rise buildings swayed. A local resident noted, “I felt that in my bones,” declaring it the largest earthquake she had ever experienced despite its relatively minor magnitude.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake was felt throughout the greater Los Angeles area, with weak to light shaking extending into Orange and Ventura counties. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated they were “not entering earthquake mode,” indicating that no emergency response was necessary at the time.

This quake was one of approximately 40 that have hit Southern California since March began, mostly magnitudes below 2.0 and often unnoticed by residents. USGS data highlights a similar earthquake measuring 3.7 that struck Malibu the previous month.

Media correspondents at the Academy Awards, including BBC’s Emma Vardy, recounted their reactions during the quake. Vardy, who was preparing for live coverage when the tremor hit, said, “Feeling a building of that size move around like jelly is quite an experience.”

Despite the scare, guests continued celebrating at the Vanity Fair party held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. The 97th Academy Awards were hosted for the first time by a new presenter. Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing multiple awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Residents reported mixed reactions to the tremors, with some feeling strong vibrations while others experienced little to no impact. In San Bernardino, far from the epicenter, many residents noted they were unaware of the earthquake at all.

Last December, a more powerful quake measuring 7.0 struck Northern California, prompting a brief tsunami alert that ultimately resulted in no damage. Californians are no strangers to seismic activity, and the state has developed protocols for response to stronger quakes, such as ensuring building integrity and public safety.