Awards shows, despite their prestige, often miss the mark in terms of nominations, and Wicked may be the latest victim of this. While the film received four Golden Globe nominations, including nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the acting categories, one glaring omission was Jon M. Chu’s absence from the Best Director category. Despite this, the Critics Choice Awards stepped up to recognize Chu’s work with a nomination, acknowledging the director’s impressive feat in bringing Wicked to life on screen.
Adapting Wicked, one of the most iconic Broadway musicals, was no small task. Chu managed to capture the magic of the stage while appealing to a broader audience, creating a visually stunning experience that honors the original show. The film cuts off at intermission, leaving fans eagerly awaiting Wicked: Part Two in 2025, but the first half still dazzles with breathtaking visuals, strong performances, and a faithful adaptation of the musical’s spirit.
Movie musicals are tricky to adapt, but Chu has succeeded in translating the grand theatricality of Wicked to the screen, much like how Rob Marshall did with Chicago. The film evokes the classic glamour of The Wizard of Oz while making its own mark, using color, spectacle, and emotion to tell the story of Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely friendship.
Despite Wicked being a massive hit, the failure to recognize Jon M. Chu in the Golden Globe nominations feels like a missed opportunity, but the accolades he’s receiving from critics show that his work has not gone unnoticed. Fans can look forward to the epic conclusion in 2025 when Wicked: Part Two hits theaters.