ITV has recently announced a groundbreaking multi-year deal with Disney Entertainment that will make it the new home of the Oscars awards ceremony in the UK. This exciting collaboration will commence with the 96th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the renowned Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. ITV’s broadcast and streaming services, namely ITV1 and ITVX, will enable viewers from all over the UK to experience the Oscars live. This development follows the news that Sky, the previous host of the Oscars for the past two decades, was set to lose its rights to the coverage.
ITV’s acquisition of the Oscars is a significant milestone in the network’s commitment to providing comprehensive film coverage and extending its support to the movie-loving community across the UK. Under the new agreement, future editions of the prestigious awards ceremony will be available on various ITV platforms, including ITV1, ITVX, ITVX social channels, and news and magazine shows. With the extensive reach and diverse programming offered by ITV, this partnership ensures that the Oscars will receive the widespread exposure it deserves.
Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager for ITV and ITV, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to be able to exclusively bring the Oscars to film fans all across the UK, furthering and complementing our commitment to films across our network.” With over 250 feature films already available on ITVX at any given time, ITV is eager to share the most anticipated movie event of the year with its viewers. This new development reinforces ITV’s dedication to showcasing outstanding cinematic achievements.
Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressed his delight in partnering with ITV to bring the Oscars to viewers throughout the UK. The Oscars is an internationally recognized celebration of the art of filmmaking, honoring exceptional films and filmmakers from around the world. ITV’s steadfast support of this global awards show underscores its profound passion for the magic of movies and its commitment to promoting the power and influence of cinema.
In recent years, the Oscars’ viewership in the UK has experienced a decline, mirroring the trend observed in the United States. The 95th ceremony that aired on the main Sky Cinema channel attracted approximately 35,000 live viewers, a decrease from the nearly 60,000 viewers in 2022. With the Oscars now finding a new home on ITV, there is an opportunity for the renowned awards ceremony to reach a broader audience and reignite interest among UK residents. ITV’s extensive network and dedicated support for films are crucial factors that contribute to the potential success of this new partnership.
In the most recent Oscar ceremony, the film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” received the prestigious Best Picture prize, along with multiple other accolades. Additionally, notable wins were celebrated by individuals such as Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh, and Edward Berger’s “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
ITV’s acquisition of the Oscars undoubtedly marks an exciting new chapter for the awards ceremony in the UK. By leveraging its diverse platforms and expansive viewership, ITV aims to reintroduce the magic and allure of the Oscars to film enthusiasts throughout the country. As film lovers eagerly anticipate the 96th Academy Awards, they can look forward to an immersive viewing experience brought to them exclusively by ITV.