has sparked criticism after she confessed she hadn't seen the Oscar-winning hit One Battle After Another, despite landing a sought-after invite to an Academy Award bash.
The former Love Island star, 35, has been on a huge Stateside promotional trail following her appearance on The US Traitors, and was among many stars who attended 's annual viewing party.
Given she was set to tune into the ceremony and see who would win one of the coveted golden statues, it would be fair to assume Maura could have caught a glimpse at some of the biggest films nominated.
However, the Love Island star admitted she 'hadn't watched' one of the films which was a big winner at this year's ceremony, confessing she 'hadn't had a lot of time'.
The interview, which was shared on X, led many fans to complain that she'd landed an invite to the Oscars party despite many crew members and stars of the films missing out.
Maura was among many non-actors who attended the post-Oscars parties, with Elton John's bash also seeing stars such as , and in attendance.
Maura Higgins has sparked criticism after she confessed she hadn't seen the Oscar-winning hit One Battle After Another, despite landing a sought-after invite to an Academy Award bash
Speaking to Sky News, Maura was asked whether she was pleased One Battle After Another had won Best Picture, or if she was more of a fan of Ryan Coogler's Sinners.
She said: 'I've not watched it! I don't watch an awful lot, lately I've not had a lot of time at all, yeah I've not really watched much TV lately.'
A clip of the interview sparked comments including: 'Crew members that work their a***s off to make these films don't get the invite but this breezer just walks in for what exactly? What input to the film industry does she have to make her being there worthwhile?
'@TheAcademy great job inviting someone who hates movies. Well done;'
'Doesn't watch films but being interviewed for what?
'Then why is she there if she isn't a film enthusiast; Why is she even there then?'
However some defended the star, writing: 'OMG love Maura what a classy lady; Even Maura hasn't seem them all, makes me feel better about skipping a few!'
Maura has proven to be a hit with fans in the states after she made her glamorous debut on US last month.
The Paul Thomas Anderson film was awarded Best Picture as one of its six awards during Sunday's ceremony
After sharing in a Sky News interview she 'didn't have the time' to watch One Battle After Another, some fans questioned how she'd landed an invite to the party
However, some defended the former Love Island star while praising her glamorous look at Elton's bash
After sharing her plans to crack America, Maura has been pictured attending a number of glitzy events.
The star is currently on a press tour following her appearance on the fourth season of The Traitors US.
Months after her successful Love Island stint way back in 2019, Maura appeared on Dancing On Ice at the beginning of 2020, Cooking With The Stars in 2022 and I'm A Celeb in 2024.
Along with her success at home, she has also branched out across the pond thanks to a hosting gig on Love Island USA: Aftersun.
She also similarly impressed American viewers during her unapologetic appearance on Celebrity Traitors, aiding her star to rise like never before.
The 98th celebrated the best films of 2025, with the glitzy ceremony which took place at the Dolby Theatre in .
One Battle After Another ended the 2026 awards season by winning Best Picture on a night where and earned top acting prizes.
Jordan, 39, shocked the world at the 98th as he upset to win Best Actor for Sinners as Buckley, 36, took home Best Actress for her work in Hamnet at the event held at the Dolby Theatre in .
Paul Thomas Anderson accepted the top prize alongside Teyana Taylor and the rest of the cast and crew as the film earned the most wins of the night with six.
The most talked about moment of the night will surely be that Jordan earned the top honor Best Actor for his leading role in Ryan Coogler film Sinners.
He upset favorite throughout award season 30-year-old Chalamet, who starred in Marty Supreme, as the field included: Leonardo - One Battle After Another, - Blue Moon, and Wagner Moura - The Secret Agent.
Jessie Buckley continued her winning ways as she earned Best Actress for her role in Hamnet.
The 36-year-old Irish actress beat out Rose Byrne - If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson - Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve - Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone - Bugonia.
