Former Love Island personality Maura Higgins has ignited a wave of criticism after openly confessing she had not viewed the Oscar-winning cinematic triumph 'One Battle After Another', despite securing a coveted invitation to a prestigious Academy Awards celebration. The 35-year-old reality television star, currently on an extensive promotional tour across the United States following her appearance on 'The Traitors US', was among numerous celebrities who attended Sir Elton John's annual Oscars viewing party in Los Angeles.
Oscars Party Attendance Sparks Controversy
Given that Maura was positioned to watch the ceremony and witness the awarding of the coveted golden statues, many assumed she would have familiarised herself with the year's most prominent nominated films. However, during an interview with Sky News, the Love Island alumna admitted she 'had not watched' one of the major winners at this year's ceremony, citing a lack of available time.
The interview clip, which was disseminated on the social media platform X, prompted numerous fans to express discontent, questioning why Higgins received an invitation to the exclusive Oscars party while many dedicated crew members and film industry professionals were overlooked. Maura joined several other non-actors at the post-Oscars gatherings, with Elton John's event also hosting figures like Brooklyn Beckham, Dua Lipa, and Sharon Osbourne.
Fan Reactions and Defences
When questioned by Sky News about whether she was pleased that 'One Battle After Another' had secured the Best Picture award or if she preferred Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners', Maura responded candidly: 'I've not watched it! I don't watch an awful lot, lately I've not had a lot of time at all, yeah I've not really watched much TV lately.'
This admission triggered a flurry of critical comments online, with one user remarking: 'Crew members that work tirelessly to produce these films don't get the invite but this individual just walks in for what exactly? What contribution to the film industry does she have to justify her presence?' Another added: 'Why is she there if she isn't a film enthusiast?'
Nevertheless, some supporters rallied to defend the star, posting messages such as: 'OMG love Maura what a classy lady' and 'Even Maura hasn't seen them all, which makes me feel better about skipping a few!'
Maura's Rising Profile in America
Maura Higgins has been cultivating a growing fanbase in the United States after making a glamorous debut on the fourth season of 'The Traitors US' last month. Following her declared ambition to establish a career in America, she has been photographed at several high-profile events. The star is presently engaged in a press tour subsequent to her reality television appearance.
Since her initial rise to fame on Love Island in 2019, Maura has expanded her repertoire with appearances on 'Dancing On Ice' in early 2020, 'Cooking With The Stars' in 2022, and 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2024. Her transatlantic success includes a hosting role on 'Love Island USA: Aftersun' and a memorable stint on 'Celebrity Traitors', which significantly boosted her visibility among American audiences.
Academy Awards Highlights
The 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrated the finest films of 2025. 'One Battle After Another', directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, concluded the 2026 awards season by clinching the Best Picture honour, among six total awards it received during the ceremony. Paul Thomas Anderson accepted the top prize alongside co-star Teyana Taylor and the film's cast and crew.
In a surprising turn of events, Michael B. Jordan, aged 39, upset favourite Timothée Chalamet to win Best Actor for his role in 'Sinners', while Jessie Buckley, 36, secured Best Actress for her performance in 'Hamnet'. Jordan triumphed over a competitive field including Leonardo DiCaprio for 'One Battle After Another', Ethan Hawke for 'Blue Moon', and Wagner Moura for 'The Secret Agent'. Buckley outperformed contenders such as Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone.
The most discussed moment of the evening undoubtedly centred on Jordan's unexpected Best Actor victory, which defied predictions throughout the awards season. Meanwhile, Maura Higgins' attendance at Elton John's party, coupled with her admission of not viewing the acclaimed film, continues to generate debate regarding celebrity access to exclusive industry events.
