The ITV host Jonathan Ross has been giving his tips ahead of biggest awards show of them all
ITV Oscars host Jonathan Ross says Aardman Animations who make the Wallace & Gromit films will struggle to win a prize next weekend – because they are up against such incredible rivals.
The Masked Singer judge, 64, did not hold back on his opinions about the upcoming event, as he also dismissed some nominees in other categories too. Turning to discuss the prospect of a big British win, Ross said: “Wallace & Gromit have their first nomination in 15 years but here’s the thing, I’m so excited and pleased to see Wallace & Gromit get nominated because those films are masterpieces. It’s just unfortunate for them that they’re in a year where there’s another animated film I think, which is as good if not better than any other one made, which is Inside Out 2. Which is just amazing scripting, amazing emotional connection, incredibly kind of truthful and honest about that difficult period in people’s lives.
“So I suspect that’s going to be the win on the night, but it’s so heartening to see a Aardman getting nominated.”
Bristol-based animation company Aardman Studios has been nominated for an Oscar for the latest movie in the series, Vengeance Most Fowl. It was announced as one of five nominees but bookmakers Paddy Power have it as a 14/1 outsider to win. Ross’ tip Inside Out 2 is also an outsider though at 20/1 with The Wild Robot a 4/11 odds on tip to for the award.
Ross also has strong opinions on who will win Best Picture. He said: “It will definitely not go to Dune part two. It won’t go to the Complete Unknown, although I like that quite a lot. I think it will either go to The Brutalist or Emilia Perez. I hope it goes to The Brutalist. Neither of them would be my choice of films that people should go and see or will particularly enjoy. I mean, some people will, but I think they’re both more of the moment, in a way.
“Also Conclave I think is in with a good shot because it’s well made. Substance I love, but it’s no one’s idea of Best Picture.”
Anora, described as an anti-romantic comedy, won best picture at the DGA, PGA, WGA and Critics Choice awards in the US, so is currently the bookmakers’ favourite for that prize on Sunday night in Hollywood.
Ross also told how ITV are going to change coverage this year to explain and detail films that UK viewers won’t have seen which could win big to help them understand and appreciate the awards ceremony more.
He said: “This year, probably more than last year, there will be a number of films that people watching the event that might not have had the chance to see yet. So we are going to be providing really entertaining and engaging packages about each movie so that you’re aware of the film, aware of the talking points about the film, aware of what we think of the film, as well as what you might think at home. So hopefully it will feel like a more accessible and fun event than last year.”
“One of the reasons that makes the night so much fun is, it’s all subjective. My opinion is valid, but it’s just an opinion. Your opinion is equally valid. And the people who voted for it, we are looking at their opinions and some kind of consensus arrived in that creative community and we’ll see what they favoured on the night. It will be fun to watch.”
* Oscars Live, ITV’s coverage of the 97th Oscars ceremony and red carpet returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday March 2, from 10:30pm.
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