Overview
- The sequel received zero nominations when the 2026 Oscar slate was announced on Jan. 22, despite expectations shaped by the first film’s success.
- In interviews published Feb. 12, Yeoh said she was "in shock" and argued nominations were warranted for costume designer Paul Tazewell, director Jon M. Chu, cinematographer Alice Brooks and set design.
- The original Wicked earned 10 nominations at the 2025 Oscars and won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, setting a high bar for its follow-up.
- Coverage has cited an anonymous Academy voter who claimed Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s promotional appearances were off-putting, a criticism reported as context for the shutout.
- Reviews were weaker for the sequel (66% on Rotten Tomatoes versus 88% for the first film), fans voiced frustration on social media over the snub, and Grande and Erivo recently won a Grammy for "Defying Gravity" from the first film.