The Academy Awards may not have great viewing figures, but it is still one of the most important awards shows out there. There has been turmoil surrounding this year’s Oscars – from its nominees, its lack of a host, and the cutting of certain awards from the televised show. Given its USA Pacific Coast time, catching the show in the UK can be tricky…
How to watch the 2019 Oscars
For those in the UK with a TV license, you can tune into Sky to watch the ceremony.
But those without a TV shouldn’t fret, as NOW TV has come to the rescue.
The online streaming platform offers a Sky Cinema Pass for £9.99 a month.
However, you can also sign up for a 14-day free trial as a new customer.
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If you time it right, you can catch the Oscars for free.
And timing is of the essence, as the Oscars will be on TV in the UK from 12am on February 25, 2019.
You can also watch the red carpet procession via the Academy’s Twitter account from 11.30pm GMT.
The awards ceremony itself is set to begin at 1.30am GMT.
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It should be noted however you watch the show you won’t be seeing the whole thing.
In a controversial attempt to cut down the event’s running-time, four awards will be presented during advertising breaks.
These include: Cinematography, Editing, Makeup and Hair, and Live Action Short.
The move has resulted in widespread criticism from all facets of the film industry.
William Friedkin, director of the horror hit The Exorcist took to Twitter to express his displeasure.
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He wrote: “What an insult to award two of the most essential qualities of film making [editing and cinematography] in the commercial breaks.
“This is a misguided act that robs the awards of whatever relevance remains. It’s now just a platform for commercials.”
But this isn’t the only controversy to cast a shadow over the Oscars.
The show’s initial host, Kevin Hart, stepped down after his previous homophobic comments and tweets surfaced.
He said: “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars.
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“This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.
“I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.
“I’m sorry that I hurt people. I am evolving and want to continue to do so.
“My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart.
“Much love and appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
And then there’s the controversy surrounding Best Picture nominee, Bohemian Rhapsody whose previous director, Byran Singer, is the subject of a raft of sexual misconduct claims.
Don’t forget nominee Green Book’s director, either, whose previously anti-muslim Tweets have caused more backlash.
Nor its star Viggo Mortensen’s indefensible use of a racial slur during a screening of the movie, despite the context in which he was speaking.
This year will ultimately be a make-or-break one for the austere awards show, with ratings dropping and calls for diversity and equality banging at the old guard’s doors.
The 2019 Academy Awards will be air on Sky on February 25, 2019, at 1.30am GMT.