Why 'Wicked: Part Two' – For Good Will Dominate the Oscars Next Year
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
Okay, maybe “dominate” is a strong word, but I have a feeling that next year’s Oscars will be all about Wicked: For Good.
Last night, Wicked won two of the ten Oscars it was up for and made history in the process. Broadway favorite, Paul Tazewell, became the first Black man to win for Best Costume Design(He completed the “EOT”, Emmy, Oscar, and Tony, with that win as well)
While it’s rare for a single film to be declared an Oscars frontrunner a year in advance, Wicked: For Good is in a league of its own. In my opinion, the second installment is primed to sweep the Academy Awards in 2026, with potential nominations spanning multiple categories. If the first Wicked movie ignites excitement, its follow-up is poised to soar even higher, much like its emerald-skinned protagonist.
First and foremost, I think one of the big differences from this year’s award season is Cynthia Erivo getting some major wins. If the first film introduces us to Elphaba’s struggles, For Good will bring them to a heart-wrenching conclusion—giving Erivo ample opportunity to deliver a performance worthy of a Best Actress win.
I don’t know if the same could be said for Ariana Grande, unless Act 2 has been majorly reworked, it’s really the Elphaba show from here. But if Erivo is nominated, she will join rarified air of an actor nominated twice for the same role. The others? Bing Crosby, Paul Newman, Cate Blanchett and Sylvester Stallone. Not a bad list to join.
Wicked: For Good could also become only the third sequel to win for Best Picture, joining The Godfather Part II and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Again, not a bad group to be named with.
Beyond acting, I think we’ll see similar nominations next year as well. But I’m going to add Best Director for Jon M. Chu and Best Original Song, since new songs are in the sequel.
Could It Go All the Way?
It’s still early, and much will depend on the first film’s reception, but Wicked: For Good already has all the makings of an Oscar heavyweight.
Something else to consider - unless there are some surprises, as of right now, there isn’t a lot of Oscar-bait competition set for release that I feel could rise to vertake Wicked: For Good’s chances. There will be the third Avatar film, a Paul Thomas Anderson film starring Leonard DiCaprio, and After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. Other than that, I don’t see much obvious competition.
With an emotionally powerful finale, top-tier talent, and stunning production values, Wicked: For Good could be the film to beat in 2026. So, as we watch the first installment later this year, let’s keep our eyes on what’s coming next—because the road to the Oscars may very well be paved with yellow bricks.