Wicked, the musical adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel, marked its extraordinary presence at the Oscars 2025, where it secured two prestigious awards out of ten nominations. Following its success at the box office with over $729 million, this adaptation has made history, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway musical film to date, surpassing the beloved Mamma Mia!
The dazzling evening featured performances from the film's stars, Cynthia Erivo, portraying Elphaba, and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Their collaborative rendition kicked off the ceremony, beginning with Grande's heartfelt version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," transitioning seamlessly to Erivo's powerful rendition of "Home" from The Wiz. Culminated with their soaring duet of Wicked's stirring anthem, "Defying Gravity," this electrifying performance earned them a standing ovation, showcasing their vocal prowess and stage presence.
Wicked's triumph was highlighted by its two Oscar wins: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to take home the award for Best Costume Design, expressing his gratitude during his acceptance speech, where he said, "I’m so proud of this. Thank you, everyone in the U.K., for your beautiful work. And to my Ozian muses, Cynthia and Ariana, I love you so much.” The award for production design went to Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales, marking Crowley’s first win after six previous nominations, and Sandales' third.
Despite the accolades, Wicked did not win Best Original Song, as none of the performances were eligible due to the songs being sourced from the original stage musical rather than being created for the film. The directors had left the door open for fresh tracks, with two new original songs lined up for the sequel, Wicked: For Good, set for release on November 21, 2025.
The sequel, which was filmed back-to-back with the first part, is generating buzz among fans eager for more content. Teasing the sequel on the red carpet, Erivo noted about the storyline, “These girls have to deal with the consequences of their decisions... I think it will be really special.”
Wicked promises to continue its exploration of the deep emotional journeys of its characters, building upon their narrative arcs established throughout the original film. Following the innovators behind the project, Jon M. Chu, the director, has already hinted at intriguing ties with The Wizard of Oz, stating, “They have to intersect, and you can only tease it so much.” Though details remain closely guarded, anticipation remains high following the success of part one.
Fans have also taken note of the preparations leading up to the sequel, with promotional footage and images surfacing, showcasing Erivo's and Grande's characters with freshly styled appearances and aged looks befitting their storyline evolution. Pictures show the musical faithful to its predecessor stylistically, paving the way for fans to witness their character's transformations.
At the Oscars, notable moments included Bowen Yang from the Wicked cast presenting the Best Costume award dressed in full Shiz University uniform, to the delight of fans. The ceremony's host, Conan O’Brien, humorously quipped, “It’s the perfect movie for anyone who’s ever finished watching The Wizard of Oz and thought, sure, but where did all the minor characters go to college? That’s the story!” highlighting the playful and enduring nature of the musical's engagement with its audience.
With two staggering wins now under its belt, Wicked ensures its place not only as entertainment but as significant cultural touchstone. It connects new audiences with the timeless story of friendship, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Its continued influence ripples through the industry, paving the path for musicals to shine brightly on the Oscar stage.
Wicked: For Good is set to pick up right where the first part left off, ready to take fans on another enchanting ride through the world of Oz and beyond, ensuring its relevance and showcasing the story's vibrancy. The heartaches, joys, and transformations experienced by Elphaba and Glinda remind audiences why they fell for these characters in the first place, allowing future generations to experience this magic once more.