When the first “Wicked” movie came out in theaters in November 2024, it was a very promising start to what appeared to be a successful spin-off of “The Wizard of Oz.” The movie became one of the highest-grossing movie musicals, making over $758 million worldwide, and cemented its legacy as a pop culture phenomenon.
Performances by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda were widely lauded by critics, and many fans were vouching for their inclusion in the 2024 Oscars nominations.
The academy, for the most part, agreed with the mass admiration for the film, with the musical being nominated in 10 different categories, like best picture, best costume design, production design and, of course, best actress for Erivo and best supporting actress for Grande.
The film took home only two awards that night for best costume design and best production design. Still, at least the franchise was being awarded in the first place.
It comes as a shocker this year to find that the juggernaut’s sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” was completely shut out of the Oscars this year. But why?
I will say that the sequel’s complete neglect by the industry this year is a very unfortunate mistake on behalf of the critics, who instead have supported other films such as “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another” and “F1.”
“Wicked: For Good” is more than capable of competing with the themes presented within “One Battle After Another,” which delves into the politics of U.S. immigration and the state of the military. “Wicked: For Good” has equally compelling and mature themes as well, such as fascism, feminism and the importance of being true to yourself.
It’s these themes that “Wicked: For Good” brings to the table that have been shunned by critics in favor of other films this year. In my view, it is, unfortunately, yet another example of Hollywood not taking a female-centered film seriously in the awards circuit.
Perhaps most famously, 2023’s female-driven film “Barbie” was similarly discarded and not taken into serious consideration for the Oscars race that year, the same fate that has befallen “Wicked: For Good.”
But aside from taking the film at face value, the movie means so much more to audiences than the academy has given it credit for. “Wicked: For Good” is helmed magnificently by Erivo and Grande — two women in a blockbuster franchise.
It is rare enough for one woman to have a lead in a film as successful as “Wicked,” let alone two leading ladies. This film is truly a stepping stone for women to be respected and represented in this medium.
If we were to look more in-depth at “Wicked: For Good,” we’d see that there are a lot of mature themes on display within the film that could’ve easily earned it a few awards this season, had it been analyzed properly by the academy.
Arguably, the most prominent theme on display is the cost of living your dream, something which Grande’s Glinda touches on in her song “Thank Goodness.” Glinda has attained her dream in The Land of Oz; she’s a huge public figure, beloved by all who know and see her. She’s easily risen the ranks to become Oz’s most popular and celebrated leader, but at what cost?
The same could be said for Erivo’s Elphaba, who willingly becomes an outcast to the people of Oz and the Wizard to fight for the ideas she believes in, but again, at what cost?
Both of these strong women have sacrificed and become trapped in their causes, and brilliantly, both actresses were able to convey those themes and messages to a wide audience. These amazing performances are not being taken seriously by the academy, which stings.
I believe the film should have at least been included with the nominations for best costume design once more this year, since I was blown away by Costume Designer Paul Tazewell’s visually stunning outfits and dresses.
Every frame where Glinda was onscreen in her lavender bubble dress was euphoric to me, and looking at the competition this year in this same category, I really don’t think it should’ve been much of a question whether “Wicked: For Good” should’ve been included. It’s a crying shame.
On the bright side, this film at least could serve as a wonderful display of Erivo and Grande’s acting chops for their careers and future projects, because, despite what the Oscars may think of the film, no one can deny these two and their talents.
I think they are two of the brightest rising stars in the acting industry, and they will get their flowers in due time.
Perhaps the higher-ups will finally realize the mistake they made in not nominating “Wicked: For Good” this year when they see the dramatic decline in their ratings and views.
If social media is any indicator of the entertainment climate (and it normally is), then I am not the only one who is insulted by the “wicked” actions of the Oscar voters this season.
