Is “Wicked” finally ready to claim its victory at the Oscars?
As excitement builds around Universal Pictures’ sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” early social media buzz suggests that it might do even better than the first film at the Academy Awards. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the sequel brings to life the second act of the beloved Broadway musical, diving deep into the stories of Elphaba and Glinda after their paths diverge.
The film is generating strong Oscar chatter, which could mirror last year’s impressive tally of 10 nominations. Critics are sharing enthusiastic reactions. Destiny Jackson from Deadline praised it as “an epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion” that fans will adore. Jazz Tangcay from Variety echoed this, saying Chu’s direction took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.
Fans on social media are raving about performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Chris Murphy from Vanity Fair remarked that the film enhances the original material in exciting ways, while David Gordon noted it brought the stage’s vision to new heights.
If Erivo and Grande receive nominations again for their roles, they would belong to a rare group—only a handful of actors have been recognized twice for the same character. Erivo previously made history as only the second Black woman nominated multiple times for Best Actress. This year, she’s expected to be a frontrunner at the Golden Globes.
Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda is also generating Oscar buzz. Her performance is described as a blend of humor and emotional depth, positioning her as a strong contender in the supporting actress category.
Historically, many have said that the second act of “Wicked” lacks the punch of the first. However, Chu and his team have worked hard to change that perception. The song “For Good” captures a crucial moment in the characters’ journeys and is expected to evoke strong emotions among viewers.
In this film, fans can also expect a mix of favorite songs and two new numbers co-written by Stephen Schwartz. While new songs can be hit or miss in adaptations, Schwartz’s reputation could tip the scales in their favor.
With technical categories like costume and production design likely secured for recognition, “Wicked: For Good” is on track for a spot among the 10 best pictures.
As awards season approaches, one thing is clear: the “Wicked” magic isn’t fading anytime soon. The film captures the hearts of audiences, and Oscar voters may find themselves enchanted once again.
For more on the evolution of musical films and their impact on the Oscars, check out this report from The New York Times.
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Ariana Grande,Cynthia Erivo,Oscars,Wicked: For Good
