Sun Mar 09 20:00:00 UTC 2025: **Hollywood Shakes: Magnitude 3.9 Earthquake Jolts Oscars After-Party**
LOS ANGELES (BBC News) – A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck North Hollywood shortly after the Oscars ceremony concluded on Sunday night, sending tremors through the city and startling celebrities attending after-parties. The quake, which hit around 10 PM local time, was felt across Los Angeles, with reports of buildings shaking and some attendees screaming. While there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the shaking was strong enough to be noticeable across a wide area, including the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars were held.
BBC correspondents covering the event described feeling a “fierce shaking” and hearing what sounded like a bomb going off. One resident described it as the strongest earthquake she’d ever experienced, expressing surprise at its relatively low magnitude. Several witnesses described high-rise buildings swaying.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake’s magnitude and epicenter, noting it was one of approximately 40 to hit Southern California since the beginning of March, though most were significantly smaller and unnoticeable. Last month, a magnitude 3.7 quake struck nearby Malibu.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported feeling the tremors across downtown Los Angeles but stated that they did not activate their earthquake response protocols. This suggests that the damage, if any, was minimal. No tsunami warning was issued. The earthquake occurred as celebrities were gathering at the Vanity Fair after-party, adding a dramatic twist to the evening’s celebrations.
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