ITV Oscars Coverage Sparks Viewer Outrage Over Film Comments

During the 2025 Oscars coverage on ITV, viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with comments made by a guest regarding Demi Moore's nominated film, The Substance. This criticism came as the ceremony unfolded at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Jonathan Ross, who was joined by well-known figures like Jason Isaacs, Mariella Frostrup, and Elle Osili-Wood.

The evening was full of glamour and anticipation, particularly as The Substance, which has already won a Golden Globe Award, was in the running for Best Picture and marked Demi Moore's historic first Oscar nomination at the age of 62.

However, the mood took a turn when Frostrup dismissed the film as 'not an important film'. She elaborated, stating, 'Substance is a very strange choice. If you like gore you will love it. If you don't, there's not much to take home.' Frostrup's remarks were aimed at undermining the film's critical acclaim and its themes.

In her critique, she questioned the depth of the film, suggesting it was merely provocative without meaningful substance. She stated, 'The reason it is in there is because it feels like it's important. It's about aging. It's about masochism. It's a headline film with very little underneath it.' Furthermore, she attempted to redefine Moore's image by stating that despite the characterization of her as a 'fading actress', she is actually 'drop-dead gorgeous'.

The harsh reaction from Frostrup led many viewers to voice their frustration on social media platforms, particularly X, formerly known as Twitter. Comments ranged from support for The Substance to derision aimed at Frostrup for her perceived lack of appreciation for the horror genre.

One user exclaimed, '#ITVOscars hate the fact they were hating on The Substance... they obviously don't know a good film when they see one!'; another remarked that Frostrup 'clearly just doesn’t respect the horror genre, saying The Substance has no message'.

As the ceremony continued, The Substance did receive recognition, winning an award for best hair and makeup during the early part of the evening. Nonetheless, Frostrup's comments left a lingering frustration among fans who believe the film deserves accolades beyond mere technical achievements.

As the ceremony unfolded, discussions surrounding the award nominations became heated, with a wide array of talented films and performances being honored. The fascination and debates among viewers showcased the passion associated with the Oscars, highlighting the differing tastes and opinions that fuel the film industry.

This year's Oscars also saw Emmy-winning comedian Conan O'Brien making his hosting debut, a change that added to the excitement of the event. With numerous films vying for recognition, the competition was intense, particularly in major categories like Best Picture and Best Actress.

As The Substance continued to gain attention, it became clear that the passion for cinema would always stir strong opinions—and the coverage from ITV had amplified that intense engagement among viewers.

ITV, Oscars, film