How Did ‘Emilia Pérez’ Win ‘Best Musical/Comedy’ Over ‘Wicked’?

I cannot be the only one astonished that *Emilia Pérez* clinched the award for “Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy”at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, overshadowing *Wicked*.

On January 5, 2025, the glittering Golden Globe Awards unfolded at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, welcoming an eclectic mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents alike. Among the notable attendees were Ariana Grande, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin, each adding to the event’s star-studded nature.

While I appreciate the effort of everyone involved in the nominated films and series, one outcome left me puzzled: *Emilia Pérez* won the prestigious award while *Wicked*, an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, stood in the same category. This decision has sparked countless discussions, and here’s my perspective on why *Wicked* deserved to take home the trophy.

Why Wicked Should Have Won the Golden Globe

From its announcement, *Wicked* seemed like the frontrunner for the Golden Globe in the musical or comedy category. Fans eagerly anticipated how the much-loved Broadway classic would translate to film, particularly with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande embodying the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda.

Despite some initial disputes regarding promotional material, *Wicked* emerged as a major success. Critics hailed it as a musical triumph, praising Erivo and Grande for their vocal abilities and comedic timing. The film captivated audiences, intertwining musical comedy with deeper themes of authoritarianism as Elphaba and Glinda confront the deceptions of The Wizard.

In contrast, *Emilia Pérez* unjustly benefited from the spotlight. Although it attempts to narrate a trans storyline, the film largely relies on stereotypes that undermine the proper representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Critic Reanna Cruz highlighted to NPR’s *Pop Culture Happy Hour* that the portrayal of trans women in the film is problematic, labeling them as “liars.”Additionally, GLAAD described the depiction as a “profoundly retrograde portrayal”of a trans character. While the film engaged audiences in the United States and Europe, the sentiments from the Mexican community—itself the film’s setting—are crucial and largely overlooked.

Mexican viewers expressed disappointment with *Emilia Pérez*, a sentiment partly fueled by French director Jacques Audiard’s admission of insufficient cultural research. His lack of thorough exploration led to a portrayal abundant with stereotypes and devoid of context, which many found offensive. Moreover, the film featured more non-Mexican actors than local talent, prompting criticism over the lack of authentic representation. Given the film’s failure to convey an accurate depiction of Mexico, one must question how it could win a Golden Globe, especially during a year celebrated for its diversity and authenticity in storytelling.

#EmiliaPérez pic.twitter.com/naL9FAl0ok

— Mauricio Martínez (@martinezmau) January 6, 2025

Delving into an essential aspect of musical films—the music—*Wicked* received overwhelming acclaim for its soundtrack, particularly for the harmonious duo of Erivo and Grande. Songs like “Dancing Through Life,”performed by Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and the standout number “Popular,”generated excitement months before the film’s debut.

THIS WON “BEST MUSICAL”OVER WICKED LMAOOOOOOO THE CISGENDER GUILT AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES IS PALPABLE pic.twitter.com/uUST6MaXlN

— Fran (@franfury_) January 6, 2025

Conversely, the music from *Emilia Pérez* failed to resonate similarly with audiences. Many were unaware of any songs from this musical comedy unless they had seen the film. The only track that gained traction, “La vaginoplastia,” did so partly due to its peculiar lyrics, describing a scene where Rito Mora Castro (played by Zoe Saldaña) discusses gender-affirming surgery in Bangkok.

In conclusion, it is clear that *Wicked* was unfairly overlooked at the Golden Globe Awards. As we await the Oscar nominations, one can only hope for a chance at vindication. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the *Wicked* soundtrack in anticipation of the upcoming *Wicked: For Good* release.

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