Ariana Grande Poised for Oscar Nomination for Wicked in Best Supporting Actress, but Faces Setback in Best Actress Race
Ariana Grande is emerging as a top contender for a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2025 Academy Awards due to her highly anticipated role in Wicked. However, despite her powerful performance, Grande will not compete for Best Actress, as her co-star Cynthia Erivo will be vying for that category for her portrayal of Elphaba. Sources have confirmed that Universal Pictures made the decision to submit the two stars in separate categories, based on the advice from both of their teams.
Grande and Erivo to Compete in Separate Categories
The musical, which has already earned an impressive $263 million at the U.S. box office within just 10 days, features Grande as Galinda/Glinda and Erivo as Elphaba, two of the most iconic characters in musical theater history. Initially, there were discussions about whether the two stars would compete in the same category, but ultimately, the studio decided that they would be placed in different categories, ensuring that they would not compete directly with each other.
This decision was made after Universal Pictures consulted with the teams of both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who both agreed that their performances were different enough to warrant separate nominations. While Grande is expected to be nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category, Erivo will be entering the Best Actress race for her role as Elphaba.
A Strong Contender in Best Actress: Mikey Madison
Mikey Madison’s role in Anora has emerged as a major contender in the Best Actress race. Sources indicate that Madison’s portrayal of the titular character has captivated audiences and critics alike, positioning her as a strong rival to Erivo and Jolie. In addition, Karla Sofía Gascón, who stars in Emilia Pérez, is making history as the first transgender actress to receive serious consideration for a Best Actress nomination. This groundbreaking moment in Oscar history adds further intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive category.
Other noteworthy names being mentioned in the Best Actress race include Nicole Kidman, who has received praise for her performance as Babygirl in her latest film, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, whose role in Hard Truths has sparked significant buzz.
Wicked May Compete for Best Picture
Aside from the individual acting nominations, there is growing speculation that Wicked itself could become a strong contender for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards. The film has already shattered box office records, grossing a remarkable $360 million worldwide during its opening weekend, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
As the film continues to break records and captivate audiences, insiders believe it could be a strong contender for the Best Picture category. The film’s success is not just about its box office numbers but also the emotional connection it has made with audiences and critics alike. Pre-screenings of the film have reportedly elicited emotional reactions, with some Academy voters giving the film standing ovations and tears of joy.
Fierce Competition in the Best Actress Category
While Cynthia Erivo is receiving strong praise for her performance as Elphaba, she faces fierce competition in the Best Actress race. The presence of Angelina Jolie, a seasoned and highly respected actress, is a significant factor. Jolie’s portrayal of Maria in her latest film has been generating serious Oscar buzz, making her a major contender in the race.
Additionally, Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora has been described as one of the best of the year, earning her a spot among the frontrunners for Best Actress. Her ability to bring both vulnerability and strength to her character has earned her critical acclaim, making her a strong competitor in the category.
Wicked‘s Oscar Chances
With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo both positioned for potential Oscar nominations, Wicked is already one of the most talked-about films heading into the 2025 Academy Awards. Its potential to dominate multiple categories is undeniable, and many believe it could be a serious contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and even Best Adapted Screenplay.
As the awards season draws closer, fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting to see how Wicked performs at the Oscars. With its box office success, powerful performances, and emotional impact, it is shaping up to be one of the most memorable films of the year.
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