Oscar statuette stolen from historic Hollywood museum recovered by police after anonymous tip leads to empty warehouse
LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2025 – A 14-karat gold Oscar statuette, valued at over $100,000, was stolen from the Hollywood Heritage Museum on March 13 at approximately 10:30 p.m. local time, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspect, described as a male in his 30s wearing a dark hoodie, broke through a rear window and took the award from a locked display case. The theft, discovered by a night security guard, prompted a citywide investigation. On March 14, police recovered the statuette from an empty warehouse in downtown Los Angeles following an anonymous tip, though no arrests have been made. The museum, located at 2100 North Highland Avenue, stated the Oscar, originally awarded to actor John Houseman in 1973 for his role in "The Paper Chase," has been secured and is undergoing authentication. Officials urge anyone with information to contact the LAPD.