ITV has officially bagged the rights to exclusively broadcast and stream the Oscars in the UK, it has been confirmed.
The Academy Awards have found themselves a new British home.
After it was revealed that Sky had lost the rights to broadcast the annual motion picture awards ceremony – which it had held since 2004, taking over from the BBC – ITV has now taken the reins as the exclusive partner for the 96th Oscars as part of what is a new multi-year deal with Disney Entertainment.
Next year’s ceremony will air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood into living rooms across the UK through ITV1 and ITVX.
This means that, for the first time since 2003, film fans on this side of the pond will be able to watch the biggest event in the awards season calendar on TV for free.
Sky lost the Oscars’ broadcast rights after viewing ratings for the show began plummeting year-on-year, with reports indicating that only 35,000 people watched last year’s event, compared to almost 60,000 the year before.
But now its ITV’s turn to roll out the red carpet
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“We are thrilled to be able to exclusively bring the Oscars to film fans all across the UK,” Darren Nartey, Senior Acquisitions Manager for ITV and ITVX, commented on the new broadcast deal.
“[This will] further and complement our commitment to films across our network, as we already have a fantastic collection of over 250 feature films available on ITVX at any one time, and are looking forward to sharing the movie-event of the year with our viewers.”
ITV gets rights to exclusively broadcast and stream the Oscars in the UK / Credit: WallpaperFlare
Bill Kramer, who is the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said he “could not be happier” to partner with ITV in bringing the Oscars to UK viewers, adding: “The Oscars is a celebration of global cinema and recognies films and film artists from around the world.
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“ITV’s support of our international awards show is a testament to its deep devotion to the movies.”
This new multi-year agreement will also see future Oscars made available across ITV platforms and programming – including ITV1 and ITVX, ITVX social channels, and news and magazine shows.
You can watch the 96th Oscars exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK on Sunday 10 March 2024.
Featured Image – The Academy (via Twitter)
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Emily Sergeant -
12th September 2023 
