The Wicked fever continues to soar, and the movie adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical is being showered with accolades. While recent musical adaptations like Wonka and Mean Girls didn’t have the staying power, Wicked‘s enduring appeal is clear, especially as its themes resonate with audiences. The film has received recognition at major awards, including Golden Globes and Critics Choice awards.
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, has been a standout in particular, earning six awards for her portrayal of the Good Witch of the North. The most recent of these was from the 2024 Phoenix Film Critics Society (PFCS) Awards, where she took home Best Supporting Actress. This victory is being seen as a sign of more high-profile award nominations to come. At the PFCS, Wicked also earned recognition in categories such as Best Ensemble Film and Best Overlooked Film of the Year, though Grande’s acting award was the only acting honor given to the film.
The live-action Wicked film had a heavy burden of expectation, with its source material being one of the most popular stage productions of the past two decades. Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel’s portrayal of Glinda and Elphaba created an iconic bond that would be difficult to replicate. Yet, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have managed to bring these characters to life on screen with great success.
Erivo shines as Elphaba, bringing powerhouse vocals and emotional depth to the role, while Grande’s portrayal of Glinda is equally remarkable. Glinda, often portrayed as vapid and shallow at the start, poses a unique challenge in a film adaptation. Grande tackles this complexity with grace, making her character both endearing and multi-dimensional by the end. Unlike Chenoweth’s stage performance, which leaned heavily on comedic talents, Grande’s Glinda is more nuanced, balancing her less likable traits with the emotional journey she undergoes.
However, fans will have to wait until next year for the continuation of the story in Wicked: Part Two, where Grande will have the chance to further explore the complexities of Glinda’s character. This early reception confirms that the Wicked film adaptation has struck the right chord, and it’s clear that Ariana Grande’s performance will continue to be a major highlight.