Primarily a Television Showcase

Recent Olympic ceremonies, especially the opening and closing events, have become unprecedented television showcases. While these spectacles attract a few tens of thousands of spectators on-site, they draw an audience of hundreds of millions via broadcast. The 2026 Games in Milan-Cortina highlighted this trend, reflecting a format that has become commonplace: fragmented venues. This raises concerns for attendees, similar to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, where ticket holders often experience only a fraction of the overall event.

Television Experience vs. Live Audience

Spectators who invested substantial amounts for tickets often find themselves viewing the action on giant screens. In contrast, those at home enjoy sweeping visuals and intimate close-ups. Radio-Canada, a prominent broadcaster for francophone Canadians, delivered commendable coverage of the Milan-Cortina opening ceremony. Commentators Guillaume Dumas and Serge Denoncourt struck a balance between necessary commentary and allowing the spectacle to shine.

Commentary Dynamics

While engaging with the audience, the duo maintained a warm rapport, enhancing the viewing experience. Previous controversies arose during the Paris Games when commentators Céline Galipeau and Martin Labrosse were criticized for their muted presence. Although initially hesitant, Denoncourt settled into his role, ensuring viewers remained immersed in the spectacle.

However, viewers still expressed frustration at the frequent, intrusive advertisement breaks during key moments. During the lengthy speeches by Giovanni Malago, the President of the Italian Olympic Committee, and Kirsty Coventry, the President of the International Olympic Committee, no commercials aired. Yet, as soon as the entertainment resumed, advertisements reappeared—a disruption that perplexed many.

Memorable Highlights from the Ceremony

Despite its beautiful moments, the ceremony did not leave a lasting impression. Comparisons with the innovative work of Thomas Jolly, the Paris ceremony designer, underscore this sentiment. The artistic direction of Marco Balich, while notable, appeared less impactful when juxtaposed against Jolly’s genius.

Standout Moments

• The Most Grandiose: Three giant paint tubes flowing primary colors to create iconic Italian symbols.
• The Most Charming: A demonstration of Italian gestural language.
• The Most Artistic: An opening number featuring statues of Cupid and Psyche by neoclassical maestro Antonio Canova.
• The Disappointing: Mariah Carey’s subpar rendition of “Volare,” contrasting sharply with Celine Dion’s performance in Paris.

Uniforms and Set Design

The design of athlete uniforms also sparked interest. Australia’s vibrant yellow and turquoise uniforms and Haiti’s colorful attire drew praise. Conversely, Germany’s dark ponchos with multicolored lines and Canada’s oversized Lululemon coats garnered criticism.

In terms of design accolades, the Olympic cauldrons in Milan at Arco della Pace and in Cortina d’Ampezzo took center stage. These cauldrons have become key focal points, reflecting a trend in Olympic design.

Logistical Successes

One divisive decision was holding the athlete parade across four separate locations. This arrangement affected the atmosphere in the stadium, although it translated seamlessly on-screen. Coordination among the teams in Milan, Predazzo, Cortina, and Livigno was commendable, ensuring no errors occurred during the broadcast.

The ceremony concluded on a touching note with the assembly of the five Olympic rings, an emotional highlight that resonates with viewers every time.