Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a project, delivering a performance that critics and audiences rave about, only to be overlooked when awards season rolls around. That's precisely the situation surrounding Cynthia Erivo's phenomenal portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, and it hasn't gone unnoticed by her co-star, Ariana Grande.
Ariana Grande, who herself received an Actor Award nomination for her role as Glinda, has publicly voiced her strong support for Cynthia Erivo and director John M. Chu after they were notably absent from the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards) and Directors Guild of America Awards nominations, respectively. Erivo, you might remember, earned a nomination last year for her stunning work in the first Wicked installment. But here's where it gets controversial... Some speculate that the Academy voters might be experiencing superhero/fantasy fatigue, or perhaps the buzz simply wasn't as strong this time around.
In a recent interview with Variety, Grande didn't hold back when expressing her admiration and defense of her colleagues. She began by showering director Jon M. Chu with praise: "There aren’t enough flowers on this earth for Jon M. Chu. He’s an extraordinary human being and director. This film will be watched for decades to come. He set out to move people, to challenge them, to make them better allies and better humans and he succeeded." Grande's words highlight Chu's vision and the film's ambition to resonate deeply with viewers, aiming for a lasting cultural impact beyond mere entertainment.
But Grande didn't stop there. She passionately defended Erivo's performance, stating, "The impact of his work and Cynthia’s Elphaba is undeniable. Cynthia’s performance is the most truthful, vulnerable and fierce Elphaba we’ve seen, and it will be referenced and adored for generations. That can’t be taken away." Grande emphasized the enduring quality of Erivo's portrayal, suggesting its influence will extend far beyond this awards season. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the accolades; it's about the lasting impact on audiences and the character's legacy.
Grande went on to emphasize the collaborative nature of the Wicked: For Good production, stating that her own nomination feels intrinsically linked to the contributions of Chu and Erivo. "That’s why I say every good thing that happens to me belongs to them, too,” she added. “None of this exists in isolation. We informed each other every single day. Of course, it’s hard – they deserve all the flowers this world can grow.” Her words underscore the interconnectedness of the cast and crew's efforts, suggesting that recognition for one is recognition for all.
It's worth noting that the Actor Awards and Directors Guild Awards often act as crucial predictors for the Academy Awards, given the significant overlap in membership. The absence of Erivo and Chu from these nominations casts doubt on their chances of receiving Oscar nods. Currently, Jessie Buckley is considered a frontrunner for an Oscar, likely for her performance in Hamnet. Rose Byrne is also anticipated to receive a nomination for her role in the comedy If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, potentially making her a strong contender.
In a somewhat ironic twist, especially given the film's themes of acceptance and understanding, the book upon which Wicked is based, Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, was recently banned from public schools in Utah. This adds another layer of complexity to the Wicked narrative, highlighting ongoing debates about censorship and the role of literature in shaping young minds. Talk about going full circle!
So, what do you think? Did the awards snub miss the mark, or is there more to the story? Could genre bias be at play? And how does the book ban influence your perception of the Wicked universe? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss!
