The 2026 Oscars broadcast on ITV quickly became a source of frustration for viewers, and it wasn’t the glitz and glamour of Hollywood causing the stir. It was the commentary, led by veteran presenter Jonathan Ross, that drew widespread criticism from across the UK.
From the very beginning, a wave of complaints flooded social media. Fans voiced their displeasure with Ross’s handling of the coverage, citing mispronounced names and a perceived lack of familiarity with the nominees. The atmosphere quickly soured as viewers found themselves “begging for ad breaks” to escape the commentary.
The issues weren’t limited to pronunciation. Many felt the panel, including Ross, demonstrated a surprising lack of knowledge regarding the films and actors being discussed. One user bluntly stated the panel appeared to have “only watched One Battle After Another and Sinners,” highlighting a disconnect between the coverage and the breadth of the awards.
A particularly awkward moment unfolded when Ross, seemingly unaware his microphone was still live, muttered an expletive after confusing Javier Bardem and Benicio del Toro. The slip-up underscored a growing sense that the broadcast was unraveling in real-time.
The criticism reached a new level when Ross made a comment about Oscar winner Amy Madigan, suggesting her win was a “kind of, end to her story.” A swift rebuke from fellow panelist Elle Osili-Wood highlighted the gaffe, but the damage was done, leaving viewers stunned by the insensitive remark.
Adding to the chaos, technical difficulties plagued the early moments of the broadcast. Viewers struggled to understand Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue due to jarring audio glitches, prompting a chorus of complaints demanding ITV resolve the issue.
Despite the sound issues being fixed, the return to Ross’s commentary offered little respite. Many viewers simply pleaded for the broadcast to cut to commercials, or even better, to show the raw Oscar feed without any added analysis.
The night’s events raised questions about ITV’s choice of presenter and panel. While Ross has hosted the Oscars coverage for three years, this year’s reception was overwhelmingly negative, leaving many to wonder if a change is needed for future broadcasts.
The 98th Academy Awards, which saw “One Battle After Another” take home the coveted Best Picture award, was a night of celebration for many. However, for a significant portion of the British audience, the evening was overshadowed by a frustrating and often bewildering broadcast experience.
Ultimately, the 2026 Oscars coverage on ITV became a cautionary tale – a reminder that even seasoned presenters can stumble, and that a genuine connection to the material is paramount when covering such a prestigious event.
