Wicked: For Good's Award Snub and Nominations Journey

As I sit here reflecting on the whirlwind that has been Wicked: For Good's awards season journey, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and disbelief. Who would have thought that our epic conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda's story would face such a dramatic twist at the Critics' Choice Awards? 🤔

wicked-for-good-s-award-snub-and-nominations-journey-image-0

Let me take you back to that fateful morning of December 5th, when the nominations for the 31st Critics' Choice Awards were announced. The air was electric with anticipation - after all, our film had received 11 nominations just a year ago! But as the names were read aloud, a collective gasp echoed through our camp. Cynthia Erivo, whose powerhouse performance as Elphaba left audiences spellbound, was shockingly absent from the Best Actress category.

The Nominations Rollercoaster 🎢

Instead, the six women who received nods were:

  • Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

  • Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You)

  • Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)

  • Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)

  • Amanda Seyfried (The Testament of Ann Lee)

  • Emma Stone (Bugonia)

But wait - here's where it gets interesting! While Erivo was snubbed, our very own Ariana Grande secured a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her radiant portrayal of Glinda. She'll be competing against:

  • Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value)

  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value)

  • Amy Madigan (Weapons)

  • Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)

  • Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)

wicked-for-good-s-award-snub-and-nominations-journey-image-1

Seven Nominations Strong 💪

Despite the Best Actress snub, Wicked: For Good still made waves with seven total nominations:

  1. Best Picture - Competing against heavyweights like Bugonia, Frankenstein, and Hamnet

  2. Best Casting and Ensemble - A brand-new category where we'll face Hamnet, Jay Kelly, and others

  3. Best Production Design - Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales' magnificent Oz

  4. Best Costume Design - Paul Tazewell's stunning creations

  5. Best Hair and Makeup - Frances Hannon, Mark Coulier and Laura Blount's transformative work

  6. Best Song - "The Girl in the Bubble" (though Elphaba's "No Place Like Home" was oddly overlooked)

  7. Best Supporting Actress - Our shining star Ariana Grande

The Competition Heats Up 🔥

While our seven nominations are certainly impressive, the real story might be the competition. Sinners leads the pack with a whopping 17 nominations, while One Battle After Another scored 14, and both Frankenstein and Hamnet earned 11 each.

wicked-for-good-s-award-snub-and-nominations-journey-image-2

Looking Back and Moving Forward 📅

Remember when the first Wicked film won Best Costume Design and Best Production Design at the 2025 Oscars? Both Erivo and Grande earned nominations then, and now we wait with bated breath to see if history will repeat itself at the upcoming Academy Awards.

But first things first - the Critics' Choice Awards ceremony on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST on E! and USA, hosted by the incomparable Chelsea Handler.

Final Thoughts 💫

As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but wonder: Is an awards snub sometimes the greatest compliment? It certainly has sparked conversations and put Wicked: For Good in the spotlight in ways we never anticipated. While Erivo's absence from the Best Actress category stings, the film's overall recognition proves that magic truly does happen in Oz.

wicked-for-good-s-award-snub-and-nominations-journey-image-3

Who knows what surprises await us on awards night? One thing's for certain - whether we're celebrating victories or learning from surprises, the story of Wicked: For Good continues to captivate audiences worldwide. And really, isn't that the greatest award of all? ✨