Now that the general public can stream Wicked: Part One on repeat, it’s safe to say that this Jon Chu-directed masterpiece has cemented itself as the biggest movie musical of all time. The performances by the wickedly talented cast—Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey—have captured hearts, tears, and applause from audiences worldwide.
With such critical and commercial acclaim, it’s no surprise that Wicked earned four nominations at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. However, some glaring snubs, including Jon Chu’s omission from the Best Director category, have fans crying foul.
Here’s a closer look at Wicked’s wins and snubs at the Golden Globes—and the conversation it has sparked.
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
- Nominee: Ariana Grande (Wicked)
- Winner: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Ariana Grande, who brought Ariana Glinda to life with her ethereal vocals and charm, lost out in a fiercely competitive category. The award went to Zoe Saldaña for her role in Emilia Pérez, a performance that critics and fans alike praised for its depth and emotional resonance.
While Ariana didn’t take home the Globe, her portrayal of Glinda has already become iconic and will likely remain a fan favorite for years to come.
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
- Nominee: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
The powerhouse performance of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba earned her a well-deserved nomination alongside industry heavyweights like Amy Adams (Nightbitch), Zendaya (Challengers), and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez).
Although Cynthia didn’t win this time, her electrifying rendition of “Defying Gravity” and her layered Elphaba performance are already hailed as some of the best work of her career.
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
- Nominee: Wicked: Part One
In this special category recognizing films that made a significant impact at the box office and in popular culture, Wicked was up against major blockbusters like Alien: Romulus, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Deadpool & Wolverine, Gladiator II, Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot, and Twisters.
While the honor ultimately went to another film, Wicked’s nomination reflects its massive cultural footprint and its ability to bring Broadway magic to the big screen.
Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
- Nominee: Wicked
The nomination for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy was one of the night’s highest honors. Wicked competed against films like Anora, Challengers, Emilia Pérez, The Substance, and A Real Pain.
While Wicked didn’t take home the award, its inclusion in this prestigious category is a testament to its exceptional storytelling, performances, and direction.
Jon Chu’s Shocking Snub in the Best Director Category
One of the most painful snubs of the night was the absence of Jon Chu in the Best Director category. The visionary behind Wicked: Part One delivered a dazzling cinematic adaptation of the Broadway classic, yet his efforts were overlooked by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The nominees for Best Director included:
- Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
- Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)
- Edward Berger (Conclave)
- Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez)
- Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light)
- Sean Baker (Anora)
Fans of Wicked took to social media to express their frustration, with many calling Jon Chu’s omission a missed opportunity to honor a director who redefined the movie musical genre.
What’s Next for Wicked?
Despite a mix of wins and snubs at the 2025 Golden Globes, Wicked is poised to continue its dominance during awards season. With Part Two already in production and set to release in 2026, the magic of Oz is far from over.
The film’s cultural impact, extraordinary cast, and visionary direction ensure that Wicked will remain a key player in Hollywood for years to come.
Final Thoughts
While Wicked: Part One didn’t sweep the Golden Globes, its nominations and critical acclaim highlight the lasting power of this beloved story. From Ariana Grande’s spellbinding performance to Jon Chu’s mesmerizing direction, Wicked has already left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Which Wicked nomination or snub surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more awards season updates,
