Ariana Grande could win an Oscar for her role as Glinda in Wicked say critics
Ariana Grande is getting Oscar buzz for her performance in the highly anticipated Wicked.
The retelling of the story of Glinda and Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) premieres in a big way this weekend, but Variety already predicts that Ariana will not only be nominated for an Academy Award, but that she will also win it.
“As Glinda, Grande brings charm and humor to a character known for her bubbly good looks and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star has mastered every one of Glinda’s signature songs, including a beautiful rendition of Popular,” the outlet reported.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t her singing that was the best part of her performance, according to the outlet. It was her comedic timing and snappy one-liners.
“But her talent for comedic timing makes her performance stand out. Her delivery of several one-liners and zingers is one of the highlights of the film, and it could ultimately position her for a first Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category.”
The praise continued: “Grande’s Glinda is both endearing and hilarious, making her a strong contender in an awards race that often favors musical talents.
Ariana Grande is getting Oscar buzz for her performance in the highly anticipated Wicked. Seen here on November 18, 2024
The nominations for the 2025 Oscars will be announced on January 17, 2025.
While it’s still two months away and the heavyweight films and roles are just coming out, it’s certainly not too early for critics to point out real contenders and Grande is one of them.
She is expected to compete in the category with Zoe Saldana for her role in Emilia Pérez, Isabella Rossellini for Conclave, Saoirise Ronan for Blitz and Monica Barbaro for A Complete Unknown.
And Ariana isn’t the only Academy Award nominee or winner of Wicked that Variety predicts.
The Hollywood Trade Paper also predicts that the film will take home the coveted Gold Statue for Production Design and Costume Design, as well as nominations for Best Actress for Cynthia and Best Director for Jon M. Chu.
Although Ariana and Cynthia receive rave reviews from critics and early screening audiences, they almost weren’t cast in the film.
British filmmaker Stephen Daldry was originally set to direct the show and had big plans to cast Lady Gaga as Elphaba and Shawn Mendes as Fiyero, according to Page Six.
“They had meetings, about the character and who she would be. [Gaga] was essentially cast in his version, and then it fell through,” the outlet’s source said.
Variety is already predicting that Ariana will not only be nominated for an Academy Award, but that she will WIN it
“As Glinda, Grande brings charm and humor to a character known for her bubbly good looks and hidden depth. Seen here on November 18, 2024
The praise continued: “Grande’s Glinda is both endearing and hilarious, making her a strong contender in an awards race that often favors musical talents.
But Daldry’s vision never came to fruition: he left the project in 2020 due to scheduling conflicts.
Enter Jon M. Chu, who took over directing and retooled the cast, ultimately starring Erivo as Elphaba, Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.
DailyMail’s Brian Viner also sang the film’s praises, writing: “Chu and the writers have loads of fun and are excellently served by the cast: Erivo and Grande are both perfect and downright sensational.”
He added, “Michelle Yeoh, Bailey and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard provide great support.”