Wicked: For Good Is Box Office Gold, But Can That Translate Into Oscar Wins?

by

Despite being a likely nominee at the 98th Academy Awards, Wicked: For Good faces tough competition to actually win any Oscars. The film is already a massive success, breaking box office records since its release and becoming one of the biggest films of 2025.

Although positive audience response can sometimes improve a movie’s chances at the Oscars, it doesn’t guarantee success. The strong performance of Wicked: For Good with viewers actually points to the challenges it will probably encounter when competing for awards at the 98th Academy Awards.

What Are Cynthia Erivo And Ariana Grande’s Oscar Chances For Wicked: For Good?

Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are almost certain to be nominated for an Academy Award for their performances in Wicked: For Good, though it’s unclear if either will actually win. They are both likely to be nominated again for the original Wicked as well.

The two actresses give wonderful performances, and their scenes together are particularly captivating. Because the movie is so emotionally resonant and has been well-received by viewers, many believe both actresses will be nominated for awards.

Despite their strong performances, both actresses are up against stiff competition from other critically praised work this year. Erivo, especially, is considered an underdog, with Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve currently favored to win.

Although Renate Reinsve has received a lot of praise for her role in Sentimental Value, many people are now focusing on Jessie Buckley’s outstanding performance in Hamnet. Even with the popularity of Wicked: For Good, the buzz around Buckley’s work is incredibly strong and could be difficult to beat.

Ariana Grande currently has a stronger chance of winning than her fellow actress. Teyana Taylor and Elle Fanning are also considered strong contenders for Best Supporting Actress, but opinions seem more divided among critics and voters in this category compared to the clear support for Buckley.

Let me tell you, Ariana Grande really shines in Wicked: For Good – she’s practically a co-lead, and the movie gives her plenty of time to develop her character, more so than even Michelle Taylor or Fanning. Honestly, if the voters end up favoring Cynthia Erivo’s performance over Ariana’s, I think Ariana could still benefit from a lot of support simply as a way to acknowledge how good Wicked: For Good is overall.

Wicked: For Good Has To Overcome Frankenstein For Below-The-Lines Wins

The original Wicked film received Oscar nominations and wins for its visual aspects, specifically Production Design and Costume Design at the 97th Academy Awards. The new film, Wicked: For Good, is predicted to also be nominated in those same categories.

Just like with Cynthia Erivo’s Best Actress prospects, the film’s success hinges on beating out a strong competitor. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is gaining traction with awards groups, particularly for its technical achievements like visual effects and sound design.

Even those critics who weren’t huge fans of Guillermo del Toro’s film during its festival run often praised its stunning production design. The movie’s visual flair is undeniable.

With Wicked having won in similar categories recently, Frankenstein could be a more noticeable contender for the Oscars. Plus, Academy voters have consistently favored del Toro’s work, which could give it an advantage in a close competition.

While Wicked: For Good boasts impressive visuals, a lot of its design relies on ideas from the first movie. This could discourage Academy voters from awarding it another win, potentially opening the door for Frankenstein to take home the prize.

Wicked: For Good Faces Stiff Competiton For Best Original Song

Initially, many thought Wicked: For Good’s strongest chance at an Oscar would be in the Best Original Song category. The film includes two new songs from the original Broadway musical’s composers, offering the Academy Awards an opportunity to recognize the show’s popularity and impact.

Despite the promising plans, a couple of issues could cause problems. Mainly, the songs haven’t been popular with critics. Publications like Vulture have called them “boring,” and reviews have generally been negative.

I’ve discussed this before, but the new songs in Wicked: For Good don’t quite measure up to the musical’s most beloved numbers. Although “The Girl in the Bubble” has some nice cinematic qualities, neither song is particularly memorable or award-worthy.

The biggest challenge for Wicked: For Gold winning an Oscar in this category isn’t the song itself, but the strong competition. This year also features standout tracks like “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunter and “I Lied to You” from Sinners, both considered highlights of their respective films.

The song “I Lied to You” is powerfully connected to a key scene in the highly praised vampire film, and it’s a moment that stays with viewers like few others in movie musicals. At the same time, “Golden” became a hugely popular radio hit, becoming even more well-known outside of the film itself.

Both songs stand out compared to other potential nominees, but the new songs from Wicked: For Good don’t measure up to the existing songs within the musical itself. Wicked: For Good faces challenges in many award categories, and its chances of winning Best Original Song seem particularly low.

Read More

2025-11-26 03:23