The Ironic Twist Behind Cynthia Erivo’s Previous Opportunity for an EGOT

As we approach the 2025 Oscars, Cynthia Erivo, the brilliant star of Wicked, is poised for another opportunity to achieve a rare accolade—one shared by only 21 performers in history. Ironically, her previous endeavor towards an EGOT was marked by a near miss. Following the global success of the two-part Wicked adaptation, which debuted last year and captivated audiences with its impressive soundtrack, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances, Erivo’s remarkable portrayal in this celebrated cast has positioned her as a strong contender for this award season.

The path to receiving the prestigious EGOT is notoriously challenging, particularly for actors. Composers often dominate this landscape, as they frequently snag the Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys, leading to their majority representation among EGOT laureates. Nonetheless, Erivo has made significant strides towards this esteemed title, having originally captured three of the four awards needed for her contributions to The Color Purple. Now, she stands just one Academy Award away from completing the coveted collection. It’s noteworthy that Wicked is not her first Oscar nomination; she boasts an impressive filmography that showcases her talent.

Erivo’s Last Oscar Nomination: Harriet

Erivo’s First Oscar Nomination in 2020

Erivo’s performance in *Harriet* stands out as one of her finest, vividly depicting the life of Harriet Tubman and her harrowing journey with the Underground Railroad to liberate enslaved individuals. Alongside a stellar cast, including Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, and Joe Alwyn, Erivo was recognized with two nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards: one for Best Actress and another for Best Original Song. Unfortunately, she lost the Best Actress award to Renée Zellweger.

Zellweger secured the Best Actress award for her role in *Judy*, where she portrayed the iconic Judy Garland, primarily set in Garland’s later years as she strove to revitalize her career. The fascinating twist here is that Zellweger portrayed Garland, the original Dorothy, while Erivo takes on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in the *Wicked* prequel. In her acceptance speech, Zellweger honored Garland and figures like Tubman, emphasizing their inspirational roles in society.

A Missed EGOT? Should Erivo Have Won for Harriet?

Zellweger: The Underdog Favorite of the 2020 Academy Awards

While *Harriet* tells a powerful and vital story, Erivo contended with formidable competition that year. In addition to Zellweger, nominees included Saoirse Ronan, Scarlett Johansson, and Charlize Theron. Despite the stiff competition, Zellweger was widely viewed as the frontrunner leading up to the ceremony, delivering a poignant performance that underscored Garland’s enduring legacy in Hollywood. Yet, *Judy* garnered only limited recognition, earning just two nominations, with the second in Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Film	Leading Actress	Number of Oscar Nominations
Judy	Renée Zellweger	2
Harriet	Cynthia Erivo	2
Marriage Story	Scarlett Johansson	6
Little Women	Saoirse Ronan	6
Bombshell	Charlize Theron	3

Erivo’s portrayal of Tubman is a compelling interpretation that illustrates her significant contribution to film. Despite the differing styles required to embody such diverse characters, 2020 highlighted the need for greater inclusivity within the Academy, as Erivo was the only Black performer nominated in any of the acting categories that year (source: Variety).While Erivo’s potential win in 2020 was overshadowed, her performance in Wicked might just pave the way for her EGOT triumph in the near future.

Source: Variety

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