The numbers
Matt Berry served as the announcer for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony, which took place on March 15, 2026. The event was broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, starting at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. At 51 years old, Berry’s booming baritone voice has become synonymous with comedic excellence, making him a fitting choice for the prestigious role.
Host Conan O’Brien praised Berry during the ceremony, calling him “one of the funniest people alive” and a “delightful person” while expressing excitement over his involvement. O’Brien’s team, known for being massive fans of Berry, highlighted the anticipation surrounding his performance as the Oscars’ announcer.
Berry is widely recognized for his role as Laszlo Cravensworth in the hit TV series “What We Do in the Shadows,” as well as his performances in other acclaimed shows such as “The IT Crowd,” “The Mighty Boosh,” and “Toast of London.” His unique comedic style and distinctive voice have earned him a dedicated following in the entertainment industry.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Berry’s role, the ceremony faced technical difficulties that hindered the audience’s ability to hear him clearly. Viewers took to social media to express their frustration, with one user stating, “Why would you hire someone like Matt Berry as the announcer at the Oscars and then have his voice drowned out by the music?” Another remarked, “Matt Berry has been done so dirty by this sound mix; I can barely hear him.”
Raj Kapoor, who played a key role in securing Berry for the event, expressed delight at having him on board, stating, “The only problem with working with [Berry] is wanting him to announce absolutely in the show forevermore.” This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Berry is held within the industry.
As the night unfolded, the combination of Berry’s comedic talent and the challenges posed by the broadcast created a memorable experience for viewers. While many celebrated Berry’s contributions, the sound issues left some fans disappointed, highlighting the importance of technical execution in live events.
Looking ahead, observers are eager to see if the Academy will address the technical shortcomings that affected the broadcast. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential measures to improve future ceremonies, but the expectation is that the Oscars will continue to evolve and adapt to enhance viewer experience.
