Social Media's Verdict Revealed

The ITV coverage of the prestigious Academy Awards, hosted by the renowned Jonathan Ross, promised an exciting return to terrestrial television in the UK after an absence of nearly two decades. However, what unfolded on screen was a polarizing spectacle, with viewers divided over Ross's comedic stylings, some even dubbing it "hell on earth" or "a nightmare."

As the spotlight turned to Los Angeles for the grand event, Ross took center stage alongside a panel of in-studio guests, including familiar faces like actors Richard Armitage and Fay Ripley. Yet, from the outset, Ross's humor seemed to miss the mark, failing to resonate with a significant portion of the audience.

The evening kicked off with Ross's trademark wit, as he playfully suggested the introduction of unconventional Oscar categories, such as the whimsical "Best Hat" award, teasingly attributing the competition to historical figures like Oppenheimer and Napoleon. However, despite his best efforts to inject levity into the proceedings, many of his jokes fell flat, failing to elicit the intended laughter from viewers.

Ross's commentary took a playful turn as he addressed Margot Robbie's notable absence from the Best Actress nominations, humorously insinuating a connection to the presence of a rival doll from bygone eras. Additionally, he couldn't resist a clever quip about Cillian Murphy's role in Oppenheimer, cleverly rebranding the film as "Nukey Blinders," a nod to the actor's acclaimed performance in the hit series "Peaky Blinders."

However, despite Ross's best attempts to entertain, his comedic delivery left much to be desired for a significant portion of the audience. Social media platforms buzzed with critiques, ranging from mild disappointment to outright dismay. Viewers took to Twitter to express their cringing reactions to Ross's jokes, with some lamenting the forced nature of his humor and others outright questioning the decision to have him host the coverage.

Journalist Harrison Brocklehurst called it "utterly painful." Viewers want a better experience. Many say they need a host with a comedic style that connects with everyone watching Hollywood's biggest night.