Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo look forward to the Oscars

Universal's “Wicked” movie was finally revealed to members of the film press, who praised Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film's leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are receiving rave reviews across the board as the musical launches them into Oscar season as acting contenders.

Miscellaneous Katsie Steffen praised “Wicked” as a “masterpiece,” adding, “Ariana Grande makes Glenda shine: she seizes every moment with enthusiasm, humor, and hair-trigger twists. Jon M. Chu added so much new life to the story that I can see why it needed In two parts! It's worth the 20 year wait.”

Journalist Simon Thompson was impressed by the film's spectacle, describing it as “an absolutely stunning vision”. Erivo and Grande drive to knock it out of the park. While this probably won't convert a lot of anti-music people, fans of the genre and die-hard Ozians (Wickhard?) will feast on this.

“Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have given us a musical masterpiece that is far more than we ever expected.” Miscellaneous Written by Jaz Tangkai. “Ariana and Cynthia will blow your mind. The production and costume design are a visual spectacle.

Let me make this clear: I am an “evil” bigot. I saw the original Broadway production with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their iconic roles as the misunderstood Elphaba and the hugely popular Glinda. It's hard to forget the magic they conjured on stage, which is why I approached Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians” with cautious optimism. But 60 seconds after the opening line, “No one mourns for the wicked,” my doubts vanished.

As Glinda, Ariana Grande brings charm and wit to a character known for her vivacious exterior and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star takes control of all of Glinda's signature numbers, including an upbeat rendition of “Popular.” But it's her gift for comedic timing that makes her so unforgettable. Her delivery of numerous one-liners and zingers is one of the highlights of the film, which could earn her a first-time Academy Award nominee in the Best Supporting Actress category. This wouldn't be the first time a pop star has successfully taken to the Dolby Theater: Cher won Best Actress for “Moonstruck” just a few years after her first nomination for “Silkwood,” proving that pop stars can shine in… Almost anywhere if they are in the world. The correct role. This role is the role Grande was born to play.

The supporting actress category has always been a welcoming place for musical performances. From Meryl Streep's nomination for “Into the Woods” to Catherine Zeta-Jones' win for “Chicago,” the Academy has often celebrated actresses who can show off their singing skills. However, Grande faces competition this year from two other Oscar nominees, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Unfortunately, Lady Gaga's awards hopes for “Joker 2” are dashed amid the film's negative reviews and poor box office numbers.

Alongside Grande is Cynthia Erivo, the powerful actress who won a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and an Oscar nomination for her role as Harriet Tubman in “Harriet.” Here, Erivo encounters Elphaba, an “evil” witch whose misunderstood nature underscores her longing to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own character and depth to the role, portraying a character who, despite her undeniable strength, perpetually feels out of place in Oz. Erivo's chances in the lead actress category may be much tougher than her co-star's due to the competitive scene. While musical performances can serve as Oscar gold — Jennifer Hudson's win for “Dreamgirls” is an obvious 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 place among this year's top film nominees?

Its path lies in the more literal categories, where artistic nominations can increase a film's chances of winning Best Picture. Although it's not a sure-fire strategy, nominations for direction, acting and screenplay can put a musical in the top category. The screenplay category has traditionally been difficult for musicals; Only one film won in the modified category – 1958’s “Gigi” – and only four were nominated.

“Wicked's” production team brings a wealth of Oscar pedigree to the table. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, known for Christopher Nolan films such as “The Prestige,” “Dunkirk” and “Interstellar,” performs in bright sets, creating an Oz character that feels both familiar and reimagined. Academy Award-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell (“West Side Story”) adds to the film's visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the makeup and hair team shine, with Elphaba's bright green skin and Glinda's signature blonde curls brought to life on the big screen.

The audio and visual effects categories may also work in the “villains' favor.” Musicals often find success in sound (see previous winners like “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”) and “Wicked's” sprawling landscapes — replete with flying monkeys and roaring train scenes — showcase the kind of visual spectacle the Academy sometimes rewards.

While “Wicked Part One” lacks an original song, sources indicate that Part Two, scheduled for release in 2025, will feature several original tracks. With a skilled cast and two strong leads, “Wicked” is poised to challenge Oscar appeal, if the campaign aims high enough.

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