While Wicked: For Good received limited awards recognition this season, including for lead actress Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for her role in the film. Despite this, Grande’s omission from the Oscar race surprised many, leaving her dedicated “Arianators” expressing disappointment.
Recently, some Academy voters spoke anonymously to NewsNation, providing insights into the controversial snub. One voter said, “The movie wasn’t that great. The two have amazing on-screen chemistry but spent most of the movie apart.”
Another voter criticized promotional efforts, stating, “I was also just completely turned off by their promotional performances. They creeped a lot of people out and in their rush to feel authentic, came off as cosplaying.”
Sources also cited joint antics, such as the duo performing each other’s “aura reading” at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Paris. “No one wanted to go through that again,” one voter added.
Grande’s former Nickelodeon background and on-set anxiety were also mentioned. In many situations, Erivo reportedly protected her co-star, including during an incident at the Singapore premiere. One voter explained, “Think of it this way: We were protecting Ariana from her anxiety — and Cynthia from having to intervene. Again.”
The comments quickly ignited social media backlash. Fans condemned the explanations, calling the snub a possible “smear campaign” against both stars. Many also questioned the credibility of anonymous voting sources.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo recently wrapped up their performances as Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, released in November 2025. The first installment of the two-part franchise had earned multiple nominations, including Oscar nods for Erivo as Best Actress and Grande as Best Supporting Actress.