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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were unexpectedly left off the nominations list when the 2026 Academy Award contenders were announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, marking a major awards-season disappointment for Wicked: For Good.
The film, which serves as the second chapter in the two-part cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, failed to earn any Oscar nominations this year. The outcome stands in sharp contrast to the first Wicked film, which scored 10 nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards and ultimately won two trophies.
Grande and Erivo had both received Oscar nominations last year for their portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba, performances that were widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Their recognition helped position the franchise as a major awards contender and raised expectations for the sequel's continued success during awards season.
Those expectations did not materialize. Grande was not nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category, while Erivo was absent from the Best Actress race. The lack of recognition extended beyond the Oscars, reflecting a challenging awards campaign for Wicked: For Good overall.
Earlier this month, Erivo did not receive a Critics Choice Award nomination for her performance, while Grande was nominated but did not secure a win. Both actresses earned Golden Globe nominations, though neither prevailed. Rose Byrne won Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy, and Teyana Taylor claimed Best Supporting Actress at the Globes.
The 2026 Oscar nominations were revealed by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman and highlighted a competitive field dominated by films such as Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet. Despite its box office strength and passionate fan base, Wicked: For Good was completely absent from the nominations across all categories.
Conan O'Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards, which will air live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on Hulu.
While the sequel's absence from the Oscars may surprise many, Grande and Erivo remain celebrated for their work, and the Wicked franchise continues to hold a powerful place in pop culture well beyond awards recognition.
