Jason Isaacs sends ITV’s Oscars coverage haywire after admitting he ‘hates awards shows’

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Up Next

Previous Page Next Page

Jason Isaacs has sent Oscars viewers into meltdown with his candid brand of honesty, and disdain for awards shows.

The White Lotus actor was part of ITV’s coverage of the Academy Awards on Sunday night, in a special program hosted by Jonathan Ross.

The 61-year-old was joined on a panel by Mariella Frostrup and Elle Osili-Wood, but things very quickly went haywire when he opened up about why he doesn’t actually enjoy the annual ceremonies.

When Jonathan questioned his take on how host Conan O’Brien should proceed with the show, and whether he should be ‘respectful’ of the moment, the Harry Potter legend didn’t hold back.

‘Oh, respecting what? A bunch of celebrities sitting in a room?,’ he fumed.

‘No, here’s the reason I said I don’t like award shows – it’s a television show for what used to be many tens of millions of people, decreasingly, every year [there are] fewer people.

Isaacs was on the ITV panel at the start of the evening (Picture: ITV)

‘Because at the heart of it, you want to see the stars, you want to see the wizard behind the curtain, and you get 45 seconds of nothing but thank yous to people who are sitting in front of them. 

‘Instead, tell a story about yourself. Make us laugh, or tell us something about who wouldn’t sleep with you in high school, and, wave it in their face!’

‘Whatever the hell it is, do something that’s original and honest and don’t thank your publicist,’ Jason added.

(Picture: ITV)

‘Take the p**s out of the people in front of you that have fantastic lives, they can take it.’

Well, tell us how you really feel…

ITV viewers were living for the hilarious moment and flocked to social media to unpack the star’s remarks.

Twitter user Aiden quipped: ‘I don’t think Jason Isaacs has said anything positive about tonight’s #Oscars and I can’t fault anything being said #Oscars2025.’

(Picture: Shutterstock)

Sean agreed: ‘Jason Isaacs dropping truth bombs. Love it #Oscars.’

‘Jason Isaacs hates the premise of the #Oscars,’ Edward Mayes wrote. ‘An odd choice for a pundit.’

Stephen Carty commented: ‘I am really enjoying Jason Isaacs on the Oscars panel. Refreshingly candid & funny. #Oscars2025.’

‘Whoever at ITV decided to get Jason Isaacs as part of their coverage is a genius #Oscars,’ Shelley Johnson praised.

(Picture: Shutterstock)

As Joshua Kekana added: ‘Jason Isaacs has no filter. This could be a great night #ITVOscars #Oscars.’

Jonathan’s pre-Oscars coverage kicked off at 10:30pm in the UK, with the ceremony beginning at midnight.

Conan is serving as the host of the main ceremony, which is broadcasting on ABC and Hulu in the US – and marks the comedian’s first time taking on presenting duties.

Oscars 2025: Full list of winners Supporting actor

Kieran Culkin - A Real Pain

Supporting actress

Zoe Saldaña - Emilia Pérez

Original screenplay

Anora - Sean Baker

Adapted screenplay

Conclave - Peter Straughan

Editing

Anora

Costume design

Wicked

Makeup and hairstyling

The Substance

Animated feature

Flow

Animated short

In the Shadow of the Cypress

‘I’m just saying yes to things that I wouldn’t have done before. I’m a black belt in karate now. I’m a licensed neurosurgeon,’ he quipped ahead of the ceremony.

‘I mean, there are all these things I’m doing now that I didn’t think I would ever do before.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.