Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed star of Wicked, has shared her heartfelt emotions following her Academy Award nomination in the Leading Actress category. Reflecting on this career milestone, she said her younger self was “smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear.”
Erivo’s co-star, Ariana Grande, also received her first-ever Oscars nod in the Supporting Actress category, marking a triumphant moment for the Wicked duo. The musical film, which is based on the beloved West End and Broadway production, has garnered an impressive 10 nominations for the 97th Academy Awards. Erivo stars as the green-skinned witch Elphaba, while Grande portrays the effervescent Glinda.
Taking to Instagram after the nominations were announced on Thursday, Erivo expressed her gratitude. “Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude,” she wrote. “I am grateful—grateful to @theacademy, grateful to be a part of something that makes people feel seen, grateful to be a cog in the wheel of a piece that makes us believe in magic, grateful to have experienced a dream come true, and deeply, deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition.”
Erivo continued: “I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well, today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.”
The star also paid tribute to her co-star and friend, Ariana Grande, writing: “To my sister, @arianagrande, what a joy it is to be here with you, watching as you ascend and amaze and become the actress you were meant to be.” She went on to praise the film’s director, Jon M Chu, describing him as their “fearless leader” and commending his kindness throughout the production process.
Grande, who is widely celebrated as a global pop sensation, expressed her emotions on social media after her nomination. “I can’t stop crying,” she wrote. “I am humbled and deeply honoured to be in such brilliant company.”
In a heartfelt post, Grande thanked Chu for casting her in the role of Glinda and shared her admiration for Erivo. “I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo. Your brilliance is never-ending, and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden. I love you unconditionally, always.”
The road to the 97th Academy Awards has been an eventful one, with the nominations delayed twice due to wildfires in the Los Angeles region. During her Instagram post, Erivo also expressed gratitude to first responders and volunteers who played a vital role in the crisis, highlighting the collective efforts that allowed the ceremony to move forward.
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Director Jon M Chu, who helmed the ambitious adaptation of Wicked, has been lauded for his visionary approach to the film. His casting of Erivo and Grande in the lead roles was seen as a bold and inspired choice, bringing fresh energy to the beloved story of friendship, magic, and self-discovery.
Wicked has long been a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its reimagining of the Wizard of Oz narrative. The film adaptation, now a critical and commercial success, has cemented its legacy further, with 10 Oscar nominations serving as a testament to its impact.
For Erivo and Grande, these nominations are not just a recognition of their performances but a celebration of the camaraderie and creativity shared during the production. Their bond, as evident in their public tributes to each other, reflects the heart of Wicked’s story—a tale of unlikely friendship and mutual growth.
As anticipation builds for the Academy Awards ceremony, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how Wicked fares on the big night. Regardless of the outcomes, Erivo and Grande’s nominations are already a triumph, showcasing their talents and affirming their places among Hollywood’s elite.
The 97th Academy Awards will undoubtedly be a magical evening, but for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the journey itself has already been transformative.
