Ariana Grande and “Wicked: For Good” were left out of this year’s Oscar nominations, sparking outrage among fans worldwide. Despite strong expectations and her acclaimed performance as Glinda, the sequel to the beloved musical failed to secure a single nomination — a result that many fans are calling unfair and politically motivated.
Ariana Grande has once again become the center of conversation — but this time, not for a red-carpet moment or a new song. The long-awaited sequel “Wicked: For Good,” where she stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, failed to earn any nominations at the 2026 Oscars. For millions of fans, this came as a shock. Many believed the film — and particularly Grande’s performance — was a strong contender in multiple categories.
The disappointment was immediate. As soon as the nominations were announced, social media erupted with reactions from fans who couldn’t believe “Wicked: For Good” had been completely snubbed. Both Grande and Erivo were expected to receive recognition for their emotionally powerful portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba. One fan wrote, “The Academy used Ariana for views last year and completely ignored her this time.”
Others called the decision “rigged” and “unjust,” claiming Grande delivered “the best musical performance of the year.” On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtags #OscarsSnub and #JusticeForAriana trended for hours, as users pointed out that the movie didn’t even get nominations for costume design, makeup, or visual effects — something considered highly unusual for such a lavish production.
Ariana Grande has not yet commented publicly on the Oscar snub, though she recently said in an interview that she was “deeply proud” of the film regardless of recognition. Her connection to Wicked runs deep — she’s often described the role of Glinda as her “childhood dream come true,” making this moment even more emotional for her fans.
The film itself received mixed but generally positive reviews. NME gave it three out of five stars, describing the duet “For Good” between Grande and Erivo as “electrifying and emotionally charged.” Critics praised their chemistry and vocal range, noting that the scene was the film’s most moving moment.
While the sequel didn’t replicate the commercial and critical success of the first “Wicked,” it still performed well at the box office and went viral across TikTok and YouTube for its standout musical numbers. Some industry analysts believe the snub reflects the Academy’s growing “fatigue” toward big-budget musical films, which often struggle to earn recognition despite their technical and artistic achievements.
Even so, Ariana Grande’s career continues to flourish. Both she and Cynthia Erivo are nominated at the upcoming BRIT Awards for their performance of “Defying Gravity,” where they’ll compete against artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and RAYE for Song of the Year.
Grande is also preparing to return to the stage in a major theater revival of “Sunday in the Park with George,” starring alongside Jonathan Bailey — a move that confirms her growing presence in the world of musical theater.
For fans, the Oscars snub is just another reminder that awards don’t always define artistry. Ariana Grande’s name continues to represent talent, resilience, and creative evolution. Whether through film, music, or theater, she has already achieved something far more meaningful than an Academy statue — the love and loyalty of millions.
“Wicked: For Good” may have left the Oscars empty-handed, but Ariana Grande remains a symbol of excellence, determination, and star power. If history has shown anything, it’s that every snub only sets the stage for her next big victory.
