Red carpets, jaw-dropping speeches, comedy bits and big winners – here’s how to tune in for another star-studded night
The biggest night in cinema is fast approaching, with the 97th Academy Awards set to take place on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. As always, the Oscars promise an evening filled with emotional speeches, surprise wins, and perhaps even a few controversial moments.
This year’s Best Picture race is one of the most unpredictable in recent years, with films like Anora, The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and Nickel Boys all in strong contention. Despite Emilia Perez leading the nominations with 13, it remains to be seen whether it can break the record for most Oscar wins in a single night, which currently stands at 11.
With British stars Ralph Fiennes and Cynthia Erivo among the nominees, UK audiences will have plenty to cheer for. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the 2025 Oscars from the UK.
When are the Oscars 2025?
The 97th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on the evening of Sunday, 2nd March.
For UK audiences, however, this means staying up late, as the ceremony will air in the early hours of Monday, 3rd March.
- Red carpet coverage: Begins at 10.30pm (GMT) on ITV1 and ITVX.
- Main ceremony: Expected to start around 1.00am (GMT) and finish by 3.00am.
How to watch the Oscars in the UK
For the second consecutive year, ITV has secured the UK broadcast rights for the Oscars 2025, following its takeover from Sky last year.
- The full Oscars ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX, making it available to stream online as well.
- The red carpet coverage will be shown live across both ITV1 and ITVX for the first time, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the glitz and glamour.
- ITV will also feature behind-the-scenes content and Oscars-themed programming leading up to the event.
An ITV spokesperson confirmed:
“ITV will premiere the 97th Oscars ceremony and red carpet coverage, offering a night of exclusive free-to-air programming across ITV1 and ITVX, along with a plethora of Oscars-themed content and behind-the-scenes extras – making ITV the ultimate destination for all things Oscars.”
Who will host the UK broadcast?
British TV favourite Jonathan Ross will provide live commentary for ITV, alongside celebrity guests and film industry insiders.
Additionally, Ross King will be reporting directly from the event in Los Angeles, bringing viewers the latest reactions from Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Oscars coverage on ITV – what to expect
Leading up to the big night, ITV’s daytime programming will also focus heavily on Oscars content, with segments featuring exclusive interviews, predictions, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Expect Oscars-themed discussions across:
- Good Morning Britain
- Lorraine
- This Morning
- Loose Women
- ITV News
Last year, 5 million viewers tuned in to ITV’s Oscars coverage, despite the late-night timing.
However, unlike last year, ITV has not confirmed whether it will air a 90-minute highlight package the following day. If a highlights programme is announced, it is likely to be available on ITVX for on-demand viewing.
Why this year’s Oscars could be a historic night
With Emilia Perez leading the pack with 13 nominations, there is potential for a record-breaking night. The all-time record for most Oscar wins in a single ceremony stands at 11, achieved by Titanic (1997), Ben-Hur (1959), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).
While it is unlikely that Emilia Perez will win all 13 of its nominated categories, it remains a strong contender to sweep several major awards.
Last year, Oppenheimer dominated the night, taking home seven awards, including Best Picture. This year’s competition appears far more open, making for an unpredictable and exciting night of film.
Final thoughts
The Oscars 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling ceremonies in years, and UK film fans can watch every moment live on ITV1 and ITVX.
Whether you’re staying up all night or catching the highlights the next day, expect glamorous red carpet moments, emotional speeches, and unexpected surprises as Hollywood celebrates another year of cinematic excellence.
Make sure to tune in on 3rd March from 10.30pm GMT to catch Jonathan Ross and Ross King guide you through the biggest night in film.
