‘Wicked’ Sends Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Into the Oscar Race; First Reactions Call It a ‘Masterpiece’ and an ‘Absolutely Stunning Vision’

As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the anticipation for “Wicked Part One” has been nothing short of electrifying. Having seen my fair share of musical adaptations, I was initially hesitant about this one. But after watching it, I can confidently say that this film is a testament to what cinema can truly be when done right.

At last, Universal’s “Wicked” has been revealed to film critics from various media outlets, who are commending Jon M. Chu’s take on the popular Broadway musical. The principal actors, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are also receiving widespread acclaim, positioning them as potential Oscar nominees in the acting categories as the film enters the awards season.

As a passionate film lover, I wholeheartedly agree with EbMaster’s assessment of “Wicked” as a masterful cinematic achievement. Ariana Grande brings Glinda to radiant life in a performance that brims with energy, humor, and dramatic hair flips. Director Jon M. Chu has breathed such vibrancy into the tale that it’s clear why the story required a two-part adaptation – a wait worth every minute for twenty years!

Initially, I approached it with a touch of pessimism, but… WICKED turned out to be a stunning creation. Ariana Grande breathes life into Glinda; she delivers each scene with enthusiasm, wit, and plenty of hair flips. Jon M. Chu has certainly injected fresh energy into the tale, which explains why it required splitting into two parts. It was undeniably worth the 20-year wait.

— Katcy Stephan (@katcystephan) October 30, 2024

Journalist Simon Thompson was deeply impressed by the movie’s grandeur, describing it as a “truly breathtaking spectacle.” Erivo and Grande delivered standout performances. Although it might not change the minds of those who dislike musical films, fans of the genre and dedicated followers of Oz (Wickhards?) will undoubtedly enjoy this.

According to EbMaster’s Jazz Tangcay, Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande have presented us with an extraordinary musical piece that surpasses our wildest expectations. Ariana and Cynthia will leave you astounded. The production design and costumes create a stunning visual experience.

Let me put it out there: I’m a “Wicked” fanatic. I saw the original Broadway production with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their iconic roles as the misunderstood Elphaba and the effortlessly popular Glinda. It’s hard to forget the magic they conjured onstage, which is why I approached “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation with cautious optimism. But 60 seconds into the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” my skepticism faded.

Ariana Grande, in her portrayal of Glinda, infuses the character with her captivating charisma and sharp wit, a persona known for its effervescent demeanor and concealed wisdom. At 31 years old, this pop sensation effortlessly executes each of Glinda’s iconic musical numbers, including a charming take on “Popular.” However, it’s her exceptional comedic timing that truly stands out, making her performance one of the film’s most memorable aspects. Her delivery of humorous lines and quips is among the film’s highlights, suggesting she could be in contention for an Oscar nomination in the best supporting actress category, marking her first such nomination. Notably, pop stars have previously found success on the Dolby Theatre stage, with Cher winning the best actress award for “Moonstruck” following her nomination for “Silkwood,” demonstrating that pop stars can excel almost anywhere when given the right role. This role seems tailor-made for Grande.

The supporting actress category has long been a welcoming home for musical performances. From Meryl Streep’s nomination in “Into the Woods” to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ win in “Chicago,” the Academy has often celebrated actresses who can show off their singing chops. However, Grande faces competition this year from a couple other multi-hyphenates aiming for Oscars, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Sadly, Lady Gaga’s awards hopes for “Joker 2” seem amid the film’s negative reviews and poor box office numbers.

Alongside Grande is Cynthia Erivo, a powerhouse actress with a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and an Oscar nomination for portraying Harriet Tubman in “Harriet.” Here, Erivo takes on Elphaba, the “wicked” witch whose misunderstood nature underscores a yearning to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own inflections and depth to the role, portraying a character who, despite her undeniable powers, feels forever out of place in Oz. Erivo’s chances in the lead actress category may be far tougher than her co-star due to the competitive landscape. While musical performances can be Oscar gold — Jennifer Hudson’s win for “Dreamgirls” being a prime example — voters don’t always embrace the genre, and Erivo’s fate may depend on “Wicked’s” overall awards momentum.

But can “Wicked Part One” secure a spot among the year’s best picture nominees?

A film’s route is through the craftsmanship categories, as technical nominations can boost its possibility of receiving a Best Picture award. Although it’s not an automatic success, nominations for directing, acting, and scriptwriting can guide a musical towards the top category. The scriptwriting category has historically been challenging for musicals; only one has won in the adapted category – 1958’s “Gigi”, and only four have been nominated.

The creative force behind “Wicked” boasts a rich background in Oscar-winning projects. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, recognized for his work on Christopher Nolan’s movies such as “The Prestige,” “Dunkirk,” and “Interstellar,” lends his expertise to designing sets that blend the comfort of the known Oz with innovative reimaginations. Additionally, Paul Tazewell, a costume designer nominated for an Oscar in “West Side Story,” contributes to the film’s visual majesty. Furthermore, the makeup and hairstyling teams excel, making Elphaba’s striking green skin and Glinda’s iconic blonde curls stand out on the silver screen.

The categories of audio and visual effects could potentially boost “Wicked’s” chances. Historically, musicals have triumphed in the audio department, as demonstrated by past winners such as “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”. Moreover, the grandiose landscapes presented in “Wicked”, which feature flying monkeys and lively train sequences, are the type of visually stunning presentations that often catch the Academy’s attention.

As a passionate moviegoer, I must admit that “Wicked Part One” didn’t have any fresh tunes – but rumor has it that “Wicked Part Two,” set for release in 2025, will be brimming with new, original compositions. With an accomplished creative team and two outstanding leads, “Wicked” seems poised to challenge the Oscars’ gravitational pull, if the promotional efforts reach for the stars high enough.

Check out for first reactions to “Wicked” in the posts below.

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2024-10-30 19:52