Photo Credit: Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
The Big Oscars Snub: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
When the 2026 Oscar nominations were announced on January 22, many fans reacted with shock. Audiences expected Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to receive nominations for their roles in Wicked: For Good. However, neither actress earned a nod this year. Grande was anticipated to contend for Best Supporting Actress, while Erivo hoped for Best Actress recognition. Instead, the Academy completely shut out Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the highly successful 2024 musical adaptation.
The original Wicked scored 10 nominations at the previous year’s Oscars and won two awards. This year provides a stark contrast. Viewers and critics alike described the omission as one of the most surprising snubs of the 2026 awards race. Many expected the sequel to follow its predecessor’s award success. The absence of nominations extends beyond acting categories.
Wicked: For Good also received no recognition for Best Picture, Costume Design, Original Song, or other major categories. The snub was especially shocking given the film’s strong box office performance. The sequel earned hundreds of millions globally and maintained commercial popularity. Despite this, Academy voters left it entirely off the nominations list. The exclusion fueled conversations across entertainment media about artistic recognition versus awards politics.
Some observers noted that awards outcomes do not always reflect public enthusiasm. Fans and pundits began questioning what this snub means for the Academy’s priorities. As the Oscars approach, pundits and viewers alike predict that debate will continue. This snub stands as one of the most talked-about elements of the 98th Academy Awards season.
Wicked: For Good: Expectations vs. Outcome
When Wicked: For Good released in cinemas, critics and audiences had high hopes. The sequel followed the success of the first Wicked movie. Many expected its performances, songs, and design to earn awards attention again. In 2025, the original received ten Oscar nominations. Those included nods for acting, technical achievements, and songs. At the ceremony, it won for Costume Design and Production Design.
Fans believed the sequel could match or exceed that level of acclaim. But after nominations were announced, Wicked: For Good earned zero nominations. The Academy’s reporters concluded the sequel did not resonate as strongly with voters. One significant reason seems to be the film’s critical reception. It earned more mixed reviews compared to its predecessor.
Critics suggested that For Good lacked the same emotional impact and innovation. Emotional arcs, musical moments, and narrative pacing failed to impress all voters. Fans expressed confusion and frustration online after the nominations dropped.
Social media users described the outcome as “insane” and “unfair.” Some pushed back against awards culture, arguing decisions do not always reflect quality. A Change.org petition even formed urging the Academy to reconsider its snub. Petitioners called the omission a dismissal of Wicked’s legacy and cultural impact. Even music industry figures weighed in on the controversy.
Support from artists like Charlie Puth highlighted the emotional reaction to the snub. The strong reactions underscored how deeply fans and peers felt about the film’s exclusion. Yet, voters maintained their choices, keeping Wicked: For Good entirely off the nomination slate. As a result, the film’s awards season narrative took an unexpected turn.
Fan Outrage and Social Media Backlash
Once nominations dropped, fan reaction spread rapidly online. Many fans reacted with disbelief that Grande and Erivo were left out. On social platforms like X, users described the snub as “weird” and “unfair.” Comments pointed to the contrast between last year’s nominations and this year’s exclusion.
Some fans said the sequel deserved recognition more than the original. Others criticized the Academy for ignoring standout elements of the movie. Complaints extended beyond acting to technical and musical categories as well. Fans wondered why songs, costumes, and production design also received no nominations.
Many fans argued that Wicked deserves honor based on legacy and cultural impact. The petition campaign calling for Oscar recognition gained initial signatures quickly. Petitioners described the snub as a dismissal of an entire cinematic event. Celebrity reactions also influenced fan sentiment. Singer Charlie Puth took to social media to back Grande and Erivo. Puth shared his disappointment and emphasized their musicality as deserving acknowledgment. His public support drew additional attention to the snub.
Some fans interpreted elite reactions as more validation for their frustration. A subset of observers even accused the Oscars of systemic bias or favoritism. Others posted memes labeling the awards process as “rigged.” This online anger reflects broader skepticism toward institutions that hand out accolades. Still, other fans advocated celebrating the work itself, regardless of honors. They claimed the film’s artistic value exists independent of awards recognition.
What This Means for Grande, Erivo, and Awards Culture
The snub of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reveals larger patterns in awards culture. Historically, Academy voters have overlooked popular musicals in favor of dramatic films. This trend sometimes affects recognition of performances in high-profile musicals. Voters often prioritize films with perceived artistic weight or critical prestige.
Wicked: For Good may not have met those criteria in voters’ eyes. Reviews described the sequel as uneven compared to its predecessor. Steep competition also shaped this year’s nominations. Films like Sinners and One Battle After Another secured multiple nods. These films dominated in categories that might have otherwise favored Wicked.
Despite no Oscar noms, both performers still received acknowledgment elsewhere. Grande earned nominations at the Critics Choice Awards. Erivo also received a Golden Globe nod. These nominations highlight that the snub is not complete repudiation of their work. Rather, it underscores how the Oscars represent just one slice of the awards season.
Fans and industry insiders note that awards recognition varies widely across organizations. Performers can still earn respect and visibility outside the Academy’s choices. The snub may shift focus back onto artistic achievement over accolade chasing. It also ignites questions about how the industry values genre, performance style, and audience impact.
Looking Toward the Oscars and Beyond
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, anticipation continues to build. The ceremony will air live on March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien. Other surprise nominations have sparked their own conversations.
For example, Kate Hudson earned a lead acting nod after decades since her last nomination. Films like Sinners led the pack with record-breaking nods. These developments illustrate the unpredictable nature of awards season. Grande and Erivo’s snub may compound that narrative. But the outcome also highlights the difference between artistic recognition and cultural impact.
Wicked: For Good remains a beloved work for many fans. Its absence on the Oscars list does not erase its box office success. It also does not erase the performers’ performances, which audiences continue to praise. For Grande and Erivo, the snub may fuel future creative opportunities.
Awards or not, their work stays relevant among fans and critics alike. As awards season moves forward, conversations about fairness, value, and art will persist. And while some may criticize the Oscars, creativity and performance remain timeless.