The Academy Awards have a long-standing tendency to sideline musicals, but the lack of recognition for “Wicked” feels egregious.
As one of the most cherished musicals of all time, “Wicked” had all the makings of an awards-season frontrunner. With breathtaking performances, dazzling production design and a soundtrack that has resonated with audiences for more than two decades, the film should have been a major player at the Oscars. Yet, despite its undeniable cultural influence and artistic merit, “Wicked” was largely shut out of the night’s biggest honors.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, “Wicked” has been a theatrical powerhouse, and its long-awaited cinematic adaptation came with sky-high expectations.
Director Jon M. Chu masterfully reimagined the world of Oz, blending nostalgia with a fresh cinematic vision. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande brought new life to Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, redefining these iconic roles for a modern audience. But despite these accomplishments, “Wicked” walked away from the Oscars with far fewer wins than it deserved.
The Academy has a well-documented history of undervaluing musicals, often dismissing them as lighthearted spectacles rather than serious artistic endeavors.
However, “Wicked” proved that a musical can deliver both emotional depth and technical brilliance. Its immense success at the box office and with audiences should have translated into awards recognition. Instead, it was treated as an afterthought.
One of the night’s greatest disappointments was Erivo’s absence from the winners’ list.
Her portrayal of Elphaba was nothing short of extraordinary, balancing raw emotion with vocal mastery. Her rendition of “Defying Gravity” was a defining moment—one that should have cemented her as the clear choice for Best Actress. Yet, much like past powerhouse performances in musicals, such as Amy Adams in “Enchanted” and Emily Blunt in “Into the Woods,” Erivo’s work was overlooked in favor of more traditional dramatic roles.
This ongoing bias needs to be addressed.
It’s also baffling that “Wicked” failed to secure victories in categories such as Best Original Score or Best Sound Design. Stephen Schwartz’s legendary compositions were given a sweeping cinematic treatment, with orchestration that amplified the emotional stakes of the story. Every note was meticulously crafted to enhance Elphaba’s journey, making it a prime contender for recognition.
Visually, “Wicked” was nothing short of spectacular. The stunning recreation of the Emerald City, the seamless flying effects and Glinda’s enchanting wardrobe were all Oscar-worthy feats of design.
If fantasy films like “The Lord of the Rings” can dominate technical categories, why not musicals?
The Academy’s inconsistent treatment of the genre is nothing new. While “Chicago” and “Les Misérables” managed to break through in the past, they remain exceptions rather than the norm. Even “La La Land,” despite being a critical darling, fell victim to the infamous Best Picture mix-up.
The Oscars’ reluctance to fully embrace musicals reflects an outdated perspective on what constitutes an award-worthy film.
“Wicked” had everything: remarkable performances, stunning visuals and a soundtrack that has defined a generation. Its underwhelming presence at the Academy Awards isn’t just disappointing, it’s a disservice to an entire genre of filmmaking. If the Oscars truly aim to celebrate the best in cinema, it’s time to stop dismissing musicals and start giving them the recognition they deserve.
