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Cynthia Erivo Discusses Her Best Actress Oscar Nomination for 'Wicked'

Published January 24, 2025

Cynthia Erivo was filled with emotion when she discovered she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in the film Wicked. While traveling to Sundance to receive the festival's Visionary Award, she couldn’t help but cry tears of joy. A flight attendant noticed her tears and offered her some tissues, to which Erivo responded, joking, "It’s fine; I’ve got happy tears." There is much to celebrate as Wicked received a total of 10 nominations, including a Best Supporting Actress nod for her co-star Ariana Grande.

Erivo described her feelings about the nominations, saying, "I don’t know how to tackle this. The whole thing is madness and amazing. I’m just really pleased; it’s so cool." The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, tells the story of Elphaba, played by Erivo, who is misunderstood due to her green skin and powerful magical abilities. The character Glinda, portrayed by Grande, is a privileged young woman who wants to harness magic. Their paths cross at Shiz University, leading to a rivalry that blossoms into a deep friendship.

The Success of 'Wicked'

Since its release in November, Wicked has grossed an impressive $709.9 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie musical to date. With a sequel titled Wicked: For Good on the horizon for a similar release next November, fans eagerly anticipate more exciting adventures in the land of Oz. Producer Marc Platt, who also received a nomination for Best Picture for Wicked, shared his insight into the film's ongoing success. He noted that the story connects with audiences because it takes them on unexpected journeys filled with laughter, tears, joy, and sadness.

Platt emphasized the importance of showcasing strong, complex women on screen. He stated, "You have two wonderful actresses, who play two women who couldn’t be more different from each other, and they learn to love each other and find commonality. When these themes are brought to life through beautiful performances, it creates a pop culture phenomenon that resonates deeply with people."

Cynthia Erivo's Reflections

In an interview discussing her Oscar nomination, Erivo expressed gratitude and excitement. When asked about the possibility of an EGOT status should she win, she said, "This whole thing is madness and amazing. I don’t really know how to process this. I’m really pleased; it’s really cool." Reflecting on her journey in the entertainment industry, she emphasized her grounded feelings and how she appreciates the strong support system around her.

Erivo acknowledged the importance of her role as Elphaba, especially as it has impacted the LGBTQ+ community and inspired Black women and girls. "It’s the pinnacle of cool to be a voice for several types of people, all of which I am a part of," she noted.

Her Upcoming Projects

Erivo mentioned her excitement about a song she co-wrote with Stephen Schwartz for Wicked: For Good, describing it as a song of passion and yearning. Additionally, she expressed enthusiasm for her upcoming episode of Poker Face Season 2, calling it "absolutely unhinged" and distinctly different from her previous work.

Finally, Erivo shared her anticipation for playing a character in the upcoming film Children of Blood and Bone, expressing excitement about working with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and the unique character she will portray.

The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, is scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre.

Cynthia, Erivo, Wicked