‘Wicked: For Good’ Poised to Cast Another Spell on the Oscars as First Reactions Call It a ‘Heartbreakingly Tender Conclusion’ With ‘Jaw-Dropping Performances’

Industry analysts are already predicting that "Wicked: For Good," the second cinematic chapter of the beloved Broadway musical from Universal Pictures, will be a dominant force at the Oscars. Projections suggest it could secure at least ten nominations, matching the impressive haul of its 2024 predecessor. This awards buzz has been amplified by a wave of enthusiastic reactions spreading rapidly across social media.

Jon M. Chu, the filmmaker who captivated global audiences with the box office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," returns to direct this concluding installment. The narrative, adapted for the screen by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, delves into the splintering bond and divergent destinies of Elphaba and Glinda as they transform into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, Variety's Jazz Tangcay praised Chu's "genius" direction and the "tour de force" performances of the two leads, while Deadline's Destiny Jackson described the film as an "epic and heartbreakingly tender conclusion."

The film's awards potential is heavily anchored in its technical artistry and the powerful work of its cast. Vanity Fair's Chris Murphy noted that the movie "expands and deepens the original source material," singling out the "jaw-dropping performances" from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. A nomination for either actress would be a historic achievement, placing them in an exclusive club of only eight performers ever to receive two Oscar nominations for playing the same character. Cynthia Erivo, who earned her first nomination for her starring role in the 2019 biopic "Harriet," is already tied with Octavia Spencer as one of the most nominated Black actresses in history. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande—a global pop phenomenon whose 2019 album 'Thank U, Next' shattered streaming records—is being seriously considered in the supporting actress category for her layered performance as Glinda, which masterfully balances comedic flair with deep emotional resonance.

While some purists of the stage musical have pointed out the second act's lack of a show-stopping number like "Defying Gravity," the filmmaking team is being widely commended for its enhancements, particularly the climactic performance of "For Good." The soundtrack features the beloved stage classics alongside two new songs penned by Stephen Schwartz, the three-time Academy Award-winning composer behind the original music. These new additions, Elphaba's "No Place Like Home" and Glinda's "The Girl in the Bubble," will compete in the crowded Best Original Song category. Schwartz's esteemed standing with the Academy's music branch could be a significant advantage, as new songs in musical adaptations have a strong track record; for example, "Suddenly" from the 2012 film version of "Les Misérables" won the Oscar despite a mixed reception from the musical's ardent fans.

Building on the first film's success in technical categories like production and costume design, "Wicked: For Good" is considered a near-lock for a Best Picture nomination. The central question for the upcoming awards season is whether it can transform its expected numerous nominations into wins across the board, from its acclaimed acting to its visual and auditory craftsmanship. As one anonymous veteran awards strategist remarked, "The emotional depth Chu has captured elevates this beyond a mere sequel; it feels like a cultural milestone that the Academy will find hard to ignore." It is clear that the "Wicked" phenomenon continues to exert a formidable influence, solidifying its status as a major contender for the upcoming awards ceremonies.