Cynthia Erivo, the breakout star ofWicked, received the exciting news of herBest Actress nomination at the upcoming Academy Awards, as she was on the way to the Sundance Film Festival, where she was set to be honored with the prestigiousVisionary Award. The surprise left her overwhelmed with emotions, according to an interview withDeadline. And she was unable to process the momentous announcement,describing the surreal experience as a mix of madness and amazement:
“It’s fine. I’ve got happy tears. I don’t know how to tackle this.The whole thing is madness and amazing. This is the most wonderful thing to have gone through and to experience. I’m just really pleased, it’s so cool.”
Based on the beloved Broadway musical,Wickedis one of the biggest cinematic events in recent memory. Directed by Jon M. Chu, it starsErivo as ElphabaandAriana Grande as Glinda, andexplores the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch. All before culminating in a dramatic finale that left audiences seated in theaters, waiting for the next installment. Itgrossed an impressive $710 million worldwideagainst a $150 million production budget, and became thehighest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time.Wickedhas earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Grande.
‘Wicked’ Star Reflects on the Responsibility That Comes with Blindsiding Fame
Fame in today’s world can strike overnight, and for newcomers like Erivo, whose previous credits includeBad Times at the El RoyaleandHarriet, theastronomical rise can be a challenging experience. Despite the overwhelming response from fans and critics, Erivo has handled the stardom with poise and grace.She’s also one of only a few artists to have received nominations for the “EGOT” for her standout performance inWicked.EGOT stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, the major awards for TV, music, film, and theater, respectively.
Wickedis a collaborative effort of the entire cast and crew, who worked endlessly to bring the ambitious and magical tale to life. In the interview, Erivo reflected on her past two years and the fame she has garnered, andexpressed her raw emotions and boundless happiness about the same:
“I’m feeling really good. I’m feeling like my feet are on the ground.I have amazing people around me. There’s not a chance I would be able to do this if I didn’t have the team that I have, the friends that I have.I feel very, very grateful.It feels like the last few years kind of were like the works where you sow everything, you put the seeds in and you water them, you get everything done and then everything is sort of bearing fruit now, and it’s really special. I’m so happy.”
10 Musical Movies With the Same Magic as ‘Wicked’
For those who’ve already watched Wicked and are eagerly awaiting the release of Wicked Part Two, here are 10 musicals to watch in the meantime.
Erivo has become a role model for the LGBTQ+ community withWicked.She has embodied representation and empowerment with her iconic character, and is already making a difference in the world. Speaking about it, she shares:
“When you start to learn about what any of this means in the big picture, I’m just so grateful to be a person that can be looked at to do those things.I’m aware of the responsibility that brings. So I will take care of that responsibility and hopefully rise to the occasion.But it’s really touching, it’s really meaningful to be able to do that and to be a voice for several types of people, all of which I am a part of. It’s the pinnacle of cool.”
As theanticipation forWicked: For Goodreaches fever pitch, especially with the Oscar nominations, Erivo remains committed to her craft. She is set to return to the screen in projects likePoker Face Season 2andChildren of Blood and Bone, the casting announcements for which dropped only recently.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
