Film awards: Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande react to Oscars nominations
Wicked is in the hunt for a whopping 10 Oscars in 2025 as the smash-hit musical adaptation takes the world by storm.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have rightly been nominated for their extraordinary performances as Elphaba and Glinda.
Film News Blitz’s David Bason basks in the glory of Wicked’s leading ladies.
Wicked makes a splash at the Oscars
Wicked flew into theatres in November to become one of the grandest cinema events of 2024.
Director Jon M. Chu faithfully adapted the landmark Broadway musical, and cinemagoers agreed - Wicked grossed over $700 million at the box office worldwide.
The Academy took notice, awarding Wicked 10 Oscar nominations for Costume, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Sound, Visual Effects, Editing, Production Design, and Costume Design, as well as the grand Best Picture award and, of course, the Actress in a Leading Role (Erivo) and the Actress in a Supporting Role (Grande) awards.
Erivo in EGOT territory
The wickedly talented Erivo is on the eve of achieving the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Awards) thanks to her nomination for bringing Elphaba to the big screen.
Wicked has earned the multi-talented star her third Oscar nomination after receiving recognition for her leading role in Harriet and performing the 2019 drama’s original song Stand Up.
Reacting to her most recent Oscars nomination, Erivo said (via Instagram): “Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude.
“I am grateful, grateful to [The Academy], grateful to be a part of something that makes people feel seen, grateful to be a cog in the wheel of a piece that makes us believe in magic, grateful to have experienced a dream come true, and deeply deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition,” she added.
“I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well, today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.
“To my sister, [Grande], what a joy it is to be here with you watching as you ascend and amaze and become the actress you were meant to be.
“Congratulations first-time nominee, I’m so so proud of you!! There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you.
“Thank you [Chu], our fearless leader whose kindness provided us with the room to play, you are deserving of all good things and I’m lucky to call you my brother.
“Marc [Platt], Winnie [Holzman], Stephen [Schwartz], Universal fam, Wicked fam!!! LET’S GO!!!”
Grande receives first Oscars nomination
Grande rose to fame as a Disney TV star in Victorious before becoming one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
As Glinda, Grande sparkles and her reaction to her first-ever Oscars nomination was wrought with joy.
"Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to [The Academy] for this unfathomable recognition,” Grande wrote on Instagram.
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“I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise. I’m humbled and deeply honoured to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow just before the big, beautiful bubble entered.
“I’m so proud of you, tiny. thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for this acknowledgement
“Thank you [Chu] for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend.
“I am so deeply proud of my beautiful Wicked family. I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear [Erivo].
“Your brilliance is never-ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden.
“I love you unconditionally, always.
“I don’t quite have all my words yet, I’m still trying to breathe. but thank you. Oh my goodness, thank you.
“Universal, Marc, my family, my heart. lemons and melons and pears, oh my."
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