— Sequel Sees Oscar Snubs Despite Box Office Triumph
Ariana Grande reprises her role as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit 2024 musical adaptation. The film premiered on November 21, 2025, and has since become a massive box office success, grossing approximately $527 million on a $150 million budget — a feat that secures its place as one of the most lucrative musical adaptations in recent years (en.wikipedia.org).
Despite its commercial performance, the sequel earned no nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards. Grande, who had been widely expected to contend in Best Supporting Actress, was notably absent from the list, as was her co-star Cynthia Erivo, despite both delivering acclaimed performances that helped define the film’s emotional core (people.com).
Why the Snub Matters — and What It Signals Now
This disconnect between audience enthusiasm and awards recognition forms the central thread of today’s coverage. The Oscar snub raises questions about how prestige, popularity, and perception intersect in Hollywood, especially when a blockbuster with strong performances fails to gain critical acclaim.
Fans and insiders alike are voicing confusion. Many expected Grande’s Glinda to earn a nod — and her absence from the shortlist has sparked debate across social media and industry circles (the-sun.com).
Behind the Snub — Possible Underlying Causes
Insider commentary provides some explanation. An anonymous Academy voter described the promotional behavior of Grande and Erivo as “creepy” and likened it to cosplay, suggesting the performances came off as inauthentic to some voters. The duo’s frequent, intimate public appearances were also cited as possibly alienating to certain members of the voting body (nypost.com).
These remarks contrast sharply with the original Wicked film’s reception, which earned 10 Oscar nominations and won for Costume and Production Design in 2025 (thedailybeast.com).
Wicked: For Good — The Story Continues
The sequel, directed by Jon M. Chu, follows Glinda and Elphaba through their emotional and political journeys in the Land of Oz. The film explores their evolving identities, moral struggles, and the deep bond between them (theguardian.com).
Ariana Grande performs a new song titled “The Girl in the Bubble,” written by Stephen Schwartz specifically for this film, marking a unique addition to the Wicked canon (en.wikipedia.org).
Fan and Industry Reactions
Reactions are mixed. Despite the snubs, fans continue praising Grande’s portrayal of Glinda. Social media buzz remains strong, praising her vocal performance, emotional depth, and onscreen chemistry with Erivo (the-sun.com).
Meanwhile, insiders highlight a growing disconnect between popular sentiment and awards politics. Industry observers suggest that the Oscars often reward a particular type of perceived authenticity — and boosters fear that theatrical flourish or overt star presence can backfire when lobbying for nominations (nypost.com).
What’s Next for the Wicked Franchise
While Wicked: For Good closed the current narrative arc, the possibility of further continuations remains open. Grande herself hinted that, though nothing is confirmed, the bonds forged on set endure, suggesting potential for future projects (nbcwashington.com).
Key takeaways:
– Ariana Grande’s Glinda in Wicked: For Good delivers both a box office hit and a compelling performance.
– The absence of any Oscar nominations, despite strong expectations, sparked controversy.
– Industry whispers suggest the actresses’ publicity approach may have influenced the voting outcomes.
– The film’s success and emotional depth keep discussions alive around the franchise’s future potential.
The market now watches how awards bodies adapt — and whether prestige follows momentum.
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