ITV's live broadcast of the Academy Awards ceremony has faced a significant backlash from viewers, with many expressing frustration over the extensive commentary provided by host Jonathan Ross and his panel. The 65-year-old chat show veteran guided UK audiences through the prestigious event held in Los Angeles, but his involvement proved deeply unpopular.
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Disgruntled fans took to Twitter to voice their strong objections to the coverage format. The introductory segment, which began thirty minutes before the main ceremony, and the repeated cutaways to Ross and his panel during American advertising breaks, were particular points of contention.
One viewer wrote: 'Will never understand why they got Jonathan Ross to host the Oscar’s on ITV.' Another demanded: 'If you’re going to show the Oscars then show us the Oscars not Jonathan Ross and assorted wittering lovies.' The sentiment was echoed widely, with comments including 'I can’t deal with this Jonathan Ross coverage again' and 'Who else in the UK is ready for our yearly awful coverage from ITV and Jonathan Ross?'
Panel Composition and Fan Reaction
Ross was joined by a panel consisting of presenter Elle Osili-Wood, BAFTA-nominated actor, writer, and producer Samson Kayo, and comedian and film enthusiast Fred Asquith. Despite their credentials, the group's discussions failed to resonate with the audience. Some viewers suggested that introductory remarks would be acceptable, but continuous commentary was unnecessary.
'@ITV why can’t you just show the #oscars uninterrupted without us having to suffer the drivel of Jonathan Ross & some z-listers?' one tweet read. Another stated: 'I mean no disrespect to Mr Ross. By all means let him introduce it, but just stream the show then leave the pointless comments for the end.' Criticism extended to the content of the discussions, with Ross asking which films were 'least deserving' of awards just minutes before the ceremony began, prompting one viewer to predict 'It’s going to be a long night.'
Academy Awards Highlights and Winners
Amid the controversy surrounding the broadcast, the ceremony itself proceeded with several notable winners. Veteran actress Amy Madigan, 75, secured the first award of the evening, claiming Best Supporting Actress for her role in Zach Creggar's supernatural mystery horror film Weapons.
This category was highly competitive, with Madigan triumphing over nominees Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another. During her emotional acceptance speech, a visibly nervous Madigan thanked her husband of over four decades, fellow actor Ed Harris, stating: 'The most important is my beloved Ed. Who's been with me forever, and that's a long time and none of this would mean anything if he wasn't by my side. So thank you very much. I'm very overwhelmed.'
Further Ceremony Triumphs
The second award of the night marked a groundbreaking moment as KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature Film. The Netflix production triumphed over competitors Arco, Elio, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2.
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein also emerged as a significant winner, securing two awards for the Netflix film. The dramatic reimagining earned both Best Costume Design, accepted by Kate Hawley, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, awarded to Jordan Samuel, Mike Hill, and Cliona Furey.
The gala was hosted for a second consecutive year by Conan O'Brien, 62, who took over the role from Jimmy Kimmel. Despite the high-profile winners and the experienced host, the focus for many UK viewers remained firmly on their dissatisfaction with ITV's editorial decisions and commentary style throughout the broadcast.
