Jonathan Ross has unveiled his predictions for the winners at the upcoming Oscars, just days before he is set to host the coverage for ITV. The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with ITV broadcasting the ceremony and red carpet events on ITV1 and its streaming service ITVX.
Ross Returns to Lead ITV's Oscars Coverage
For the third year in a row, Jonathan Ross will helm ITV's Oscars programming, offering UK audiences an insider's view of the prestigious event. His role includes live commentary, interviews with celebrity guests and film experts, and on-the-spot conversations with stars on the red carpet. The special programme will feature live coverage from the Oscars red carpet, reported by Ross King and Angelique Jackson from the Dolby Theatre, followed immediately by the main awards ceremony.
Predictions Shared on The One Show
During an appearance on BBC's The One Show on Wednesday, March 4, Jonathan Ross discussed his new Channel 4 show, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, before turning to the topic of the Oscars. As a dedicated movie fan, he shared his insights with hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo, highlighting key categories.
Best Picture Contenders: Ross suggested that Best Picture could be a close race between One Battle After Another and Sinners. He noted that Sinners might perform better in the United States due to its American setting and timely narrative, while One Battle After Another also presents a relevant and compelling story.
Acting Awards Forecast: For Best Actor, Ross predicted that Michael B. Jordan would likely win for his role in Sinners, describing it as thoroughly deserved. In the Best Actress category, he backed Jessie Buckley to triumph for her performance in Hamnet, citing her recent success at other awards ceremonies.
Momentum Builds for Potential Winners
Jessie Buckley has already secured a Golden Globe and a BAFTA this year, and she continued her winning streak at the Actor Awards last Sunday. The question remains whether she can maintain this momentum at the Oscars later this month. Similarly, Michael B. Jordan gained unexpected traction with a win at the Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, boosting his chances in the final weeks leading up to the Academy Awards.
Previous Success and Viewer Engagement
The 97th Oscars ceremony in 2025 attracted significant attention from UK viewers, with ITV's coverage across ITV1 and ITVX reaching approximately five million combined viewers. This high level of engagement underscores the popularity of the event and the anticipation for this year's broadcast, enhanced by Jonathan Ross's hosting and predictions.
As the Oscars approach, fans and critics alike will be watching to see if Ross's forecasts prove accurate, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night's festivities.
