When U.K. public service broadcaster ITV unveiled last summer that it had secured the rights to broadcast the Oscars from Comcast-owned Sky, it caused quite a stir.
Not only will the ceremony be free-to-air for the first time in almost two decades, but ITV has also announced a host of exciting extras. These include a 90-minute red carpet pre-show hosted by Ross King, a wrap-around show produced by ITV Studios Daytime and hosted by Jonathan Ross, and a range of streaming highlights. Fans can expect a collection of Oscar-winning and nominated movies, as well as the best speeches from previous years and behind-the-scenes clips from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Last month, the nominations were also broadcast live on ITV’s streamer ITVX.
“The Oscars is the ultimate in event telly and we’re thrilled to be unlocking an iconic night for U.K. film fans across our free-to-air platforms,” says Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning, according to Variety.
ITV is going all out to cater to viewers the morning after the ceremony as well. The festivities will carry over into ITV’s daytime programming, including “Good Morning Britain” and “This Morning.” Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to re-watch the ceremony itself. “If you can’t stay up into the early hours — and we very much hope people will — but if you can’t, then you can catch up on it the following day on ITVX,” says Craig Morris, ITVX managing editor.
Morris, a self-confessed film buff, played an instrumental role in negotiating the deal to bring the Academy Awards to ITV. He describes it as a “long-term agreement that’s got quite a few years to run.” In an interview with Variety, Morris talks about why ITV decided to bring the Oscars back to U.K. viewers without a paywall and what viewers can expect on the night.
Bringing the Oscars Back to U.K. Viewers
According to Morris, taking the Oscars to a wider audience was an opportunity that ITV couldn’t pass up. He believes that the Oscars are a gem that has been talked about but not seen by as many people in the U.K. due to being behind a paywall. Morris wanted to play a part in delivering the Oscars to a larger audience.
The Oscars perfectly align with ITVX’s focus on movies. With over 300 films currently available on the streaming service, movies have become an integral part of ITVX. Additionally, ITV has a long tradition of hosting big event TV, from shows like “Love Island” and “I’m a Celebrity” to the Brit Awards and major sporting occasions. Morris explains that ITV is always on the lookout for properties that will attract a big audience and create a buzz.
The Bidding Process and Event Television
When it came to securing the rights for the Oscars from Disney, Morris believes that it wasn’t just about the money. ITV had to demonstrate what they could do with the awards show. They were full of ideas and offered a big home for the Oscars across streaming and linear platforms. The discussion with Disney went beyond just the financial aspect, focusing on how ITV planned to create an exciting event television experience for viewers. ITV also had meetings with the Academy to ensure they understood their goals and could reflect them in the U.K.
Although Morris couldn’t reveal the exact amount paid for the rights, he expressed delight in securing the deal. The whole package that ITV has put together truly makes the Oscars feel like event television. Viewers can expect a lineup of Oscar-nominated and winning films, a channel dedicated to streaming the event, and highlights from past ceremonies. As the awards show approaches, more Oscar-themed content will be available. ITV aims to cater to both fans and superfans, making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.
Jonathan Ross and the U.K. Oscars Show
Jonathan Ross, who is known for being a superfan, was ecstatic when he heard that the Oscars were coming to ITV. As a fellow film enthusiast, Ross shares the same enthusiasm for the event and the desire to bring it to a wider audience. The plan is to create a buzz around the Oscars by hosting it on a free-to-air channel and building up to the event. Ross is the perfect host for this occasion.
Ross will be broadcasting from a custom studio in the U.K., ensuring a controlled environment where the best show can be produced for U.K. audiences. While the main event will be covered live from L.A., Ross King will be on the red carpet amidst the circus. The controlled environment allows for a slick, fun show with exciting ideas.
A Pub-Like Atmosphere and Oscar Predictions
The U.K. audience is known for not taking the Oscars as seriously as their American counterparts. ITV aims to create an atmosphere that feels like a group of friends discussing the show at a pub. The entire ceremony will be broadcast live with no delay or censorship, adding to the excitement. Viewers can look forward to hearing Jonathan Ross and his guests’ take on the show.
When it comes to predictions about who’ll win the golden statues, Morris prefers to leave it to the experts. He believes that this year’s Oscars will be particularly exciting due to the mix of indie and blockbuster movies nominated.
With the Oscars coming to ITV, British viewers are in for a treat. The combination of free-to-air viewing, exclusive extras, and the expertise of Jonathan Ross is set to make this year’s Oscars a memorable event. Make sure to tune in and experience the Oscars like never before!