Ariana Grande’s 2025 Oscars Aspirations for Wicked May Have Been Undermined

Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda in the musical adaptation of Wicked has captivated both audiences and critics alike during its impressive theatrical run. Alongside Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, their chemistry and the evolution of their friendship is a highlight of the production. While musical adaptations have faced challenges in gaining traction in recent years, Wicked has surpassed expectations, claiming the Golden Globe for Box Office Achievement, a testament to its enormous popularity.

Grande’s performance, regarded as a standout, has drawn significant acclaim, particularly in light of the film’s box-office success. She received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes. However, the competition was fierce, and the coveted award ultimately went to Zoe Saldaña for her role in Emilia Pérez. Although the Oscars are still several months away, Grande’s loss at the Golden Globes raises questions about her prospects for an Oscar nomination for her role in Wicked.

The Golden Globes: A Crucial Opportunity for Ariana Grande

The Ceremony: An Ideal Platform to Propel Oscar Aspirations

Ariana Grande looking in the mirror as Glinda

As the kickoff event for the 2025 awards season, the Golden Globes presented a vital opportunity for Grande to secure a Best Supporting Actress win and bolster her Oscar campaign. Although the Golden Globes often serve as a reliable barometer for Oscar contenders, they operate differently by emphasizing buzzworthy films with substantial celebrity backing. Historically, the Golden Globes have favored films with high visibility and box-office success.

This unique focus on popular sentiment made the Golden Globes a prime opportunity for Grande to achieve recognition for her performance as Glinda. Given the momentum from her extensive press tour and the social media buzz surrounding her and Erivo, it seemed that Grande’s portrayal might resonate well with the Golden Globe voters. Nevertheless, while the Globes don’t always predict Oscar success, their overlap with Academy favorites suggests Grande’s chances are currently limited.

Does Ariana Grande Still Have a Viable Path to the Best Supporting Actress Oscar?

Ongoing Competition and Opportunities Ahead

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo during 'Popular' in Wicked

Despite disappointment among fans regarding Grande’s Golden Globe loss, it is important to remember that the Oscars race remains ongoing. With the ceremony scheduled for March, there is still ample opportunity for Grande to garner further support leading up to the 97th Academy Awards. Her previous accolades from smaller awards and critics’ groups demonstrate that her performance is indeed gaining recognition.

The timeline allows for potential shifts in momentum, especially as Wicked continues to thrive both critically and commercially. Although it seems Saldaña currently has a solid lead in the race for Best Supporting Actress, Grande’s recognition indicates that an Oscar nomination is still within reach. Given her pre-Golden Globes position in the awards predictions, it would be a significant oversight if her performance went unacknowledged.

Is Wicked at Risk of Missing Major Oscar Nominations?

Promising Nominations Potential, Despite Challenges

While it’s true that predictions can shift as the Oscars approach, current trends suggest that Wicked may struggle to secure major awards after the Golden Globes. The film is likely to see nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, yet its chances for a Best Director nod are less certain. With Cynthia Erivo facing stiff competition after a surprising Golden Globe loss to Demi Moore, her prospects for the Oscar may also have dimmed.

As it stands, Wicked is projected to receive nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Production Design. Despite the challenges, both Grande and Erivo appear to be strong contenders for their respective categories, maintaining a glimmer of hope for Oscar victories. Additionally, as Wicked seeks recognition as a Best Picture, it will face tough competition from films like The Brutalist, Anora, and Emilia Pérez. As the 2025 Oscars draw closer, excitement surrounding the event grows, and regardless of the outcomes, Wicked will likely be remembered as a standout film of 2024.

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