Wicked: For Good Shut Out of 2026 Oscars After First Film’s Triumph
Wicked: For Good failed to land a single Oscar nomination in 2026, a sharp contrast to the original film’s 10 nods the previous year. Even new songs and expected acting recognition were overlooked.
Wicked: For Good was completely left off the list when the 2026 Oscar nominations were revealed, a surprising turn after the original film ’s impressive showing just a year earlier. The first installment had been a major contender, earning ten nominations in 2025 and taking home awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. This time around, the sequel didn’t manage to secure a single nod, despite high hopes and industry buzz.
Expectations for Cast and Music Fall Short
Many had predicted Ariana Grande would be recognized for her performance as Glinda, with some expecting her to land a spot in the Best Supporting Actress category. However, her name was missing from the announcement, leaving fans and critics alike stunned. Wicked: For Good also introduced two original songs not featured in the Broadway production, which seemed tailor-made for awards consideration. Yet, the film was passed over in the Best Original Song category, with the Academy instead favoring tracks from Kpop Demon Hunters, Sinners, Train Dreams, Diane Warren: Relentless, and Viva Verdi!.
Comparing to Last Year’s Success
The previous year, Wicked had been a major force at the Oscars, earning nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. The film ultimately won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, cementing its place as a standout in the awards season.
Other Notable Omissions and Surprises
This year’s nominations also left out several other expected contenders. Chase Infiniti, who delivered a standout performance as the teenage daughter of Leonardo DiCaprio ’s character Bob in One Battle After Another, was not included in the Best Actress category. Park Chan-wook’s much-discussed black comedy No Other Choice was also missing from the Best International Feature lineup. Meanwhile, despite Hamnet receiving eight nominations, Paul Mescal was not recognized for his portrayal of William Shakespeare, with Delroy Lindo from Sinners making a surprise appearance in the Best Actor category instead.
The 2026 Oscars ceremony is set for Sunday, March 15. Until then, movie fans can look forward to discovering which upcoming films might make the next awards season’s shortlist.