Wicked Soars (and Stumbles?) at the 2025 Oscars: Two Wins Amidst Stiff Competition
The 2025 Academy Awards have concluded, and the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway sensation Wicked has made its mark, securing two coveted awards. While the emerald-hued spectacle didn’t quite sweep the ceremony as some predicted, its presence was undeniably felt throughout the evening. Garnering an impressive ten nominations, including a bid for the prestigious Best Picture award, Wicked proved its cinematic viability and captivated audiences, even if it ultimately fell short of achieving top honors.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, entered the Oscar race with considerable buzz, fueled by the enduring popularity of the source material. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s imaginative novel, which reimagines the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and serves as a prequel to the beloved "Wizard of Oz," Wicked arrived on the silver screen as the first installment of a planned two-part epic. This ambitious undertaking aimed to delve deeper into the complex relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch, and Glinda, the Good Witch, exploring their shared history and the societal forces that ultimately shaped their destinies.
While the full list of nominations and winners hasn’t been explicitly detailed in this initial report, the primary focus remains on Wicked‘s performance. The film competed for Best Picture against a diverse and critically acclaimed roster of contenders, including Anora, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, I’m Still Here, The Substance, Dune: Part Two, and Nickel Boys. This formidable competition highlights the strength of the cinematic landscape in 2024 and underscores the challenge faced by Wicked in its pursuit of the ultimate accolade.
The article reveals that Wicked did secure two wins, but the specific categories remain unconfirmed. Speculation abounds regarding potential wins for Best Costume Design, given the elaborate and visually stunning costumes featured in the film, or perhaps for Best Original Song, considering the musical’s rich history of memorable melodies. Another possible area of triumph could be in the technical categories, such as Best Visual Effects, as the fantastical world of Oz undoubtedly demanded impressive CGI and special effects artistry.
However, the fact that Wicked didn’t win in eight other nominated categories suggests that certain aspects of the film might have resonated less strongly with the Academy voters. Perhaps the narrative, spread across two films, felt incomplete or less impactful than the self-contained stories presented by some of its competitors. Alternatively, the reliance on musical numbers, while inherent to the source material, might not have universally appealed to all members of the Academy.
USA TODAY movie critic Brian Truitt offered a nuanced perspective on the film, awarding it a respectable three out of four stars. While acknowledging potential "missteps," Truitt emphasized the captivating nature of Chu’s direction, praising the "colorful spectacle" that sweeps audiences into the magical world of Oz. His review highlights the film’s blend of spectacle and heart, describing it as both "superfluous and splendiferous," ultimately casting a "big-hearted spell" that is difficult to resist.
Truitt also lauded the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who portray Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. He suggests that their portrayals are likely to resonate strongly with musical theater enthusiasts and long-time fans of the "Wizard of Oz," hinting at a potential win for one of the actresses. Truitt specifically mentions that their song-filled character study "ekes out great performances," implying that the actresses successfully captured the complexities and emotional depths of their iconic roles.
Furthermore, Truitt commends the film’s "truly soaring closing cliffhanger," indicating that Wicked effectively sets the stage for the upcoming second installment. This cliffhanger likely leaves audiences eager to see the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda’s story, solidifying their bond and culminating in the events that lead to the familiar narrative of "The Wizard of Oz."
The article also touches upon the production aspects, confirming that the film received a PG rating, suggesting it’s suitable for a broad audience, including families.
While the list of the entire cast hasn’t been disclosed, the mention of Erivo and Grande confirms their central roles in bringing the story to life. Details regarding the supporting cast and their contributions remain scarce, but further information is expected to surface as more reviews and reports emerge.
Finally, the article teases information about Wicked Part 2, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding its release date, cast details, and other pertinent information. The fact that USA TODAY is already reporting on the sequel highlights the studio’s confidence in the franchise’s longevity and the sustained interest from audiences.
In conclusion, Wicked‘s performance at the 2025 Oscars presents a mixed bag of results. While securing two wins and earning ten nominations is undoubtedly a significant achievement, the film’s inability to capture the coveted Best Picture award suggests that it fell short of achieving universal acclaim. Nevertheless, the movie musical’s enduring appeal, coupled with the strong performances of its leading actresses and the promise of a compelling sequel, ensures that Wicked will continue to enchant audiences and spark conversation for years to come. The contributions of Brian Truitt, Taylor Ardrey, and USA TODAY’s Saman Shafiq in covering this momentous event are greatly appreciated, and fans eagerly await further updates on the continuing Wicked saga.
