Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s weird yet endearing friendship was all anyone could talk about last year, and it seems the Oscars voters were equally captivated. From meticulously coordinated premieres to endlessly clipped, affectionate interviews during Wicked, the pair became inseparable in the public eye. The Academy apparently judged Ariana Grande’s charm as overshadowing her artistry.

Ariana Grande earned a Golden Globes nomination for her turn as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, yet the Oscars proved far less forgiving. NewsNation reports indicate the movie left voters unmoved, and the co-starring chemistry with Cynthia Erivo, though palpable to audiences, appeared sporadic on screen. Fans adored the pair, but the Academy demanded substance beyond spectacle.

“They creeped a lot of people out and in their rush to feel authentic, came off as cosplaying.” an anonymous Oscar voter allegedly told the NewsNation.

The remark encapsulates the unease Grande and Cynthia Erivo stirred with orchestrated red carpet antics and affectionate interview displays. What seemed playful to the public came across to voters as overindulgence.

“Think of it this way: We were protecting Ariana from her anxiety — and Cynthia from having to intervene. Again, according to NewsNation, for voters, the off-screen energy surrounding Grande and Cynthia Erivo made the Academy question whether awards consideration reflected acting skill or media circus. The duo’s friendship, once charming, became an unintended liability, leaving Ariana Grande outside the Best Supporting Actress conversation.

While the anonymous Oscar voter laid down plenty of reasons why Ariana Grande was snubbed at the Oscars, there are just as many, and even more, why the actress should have gotten a nod.

Why Ariana Grande in Wicked called for at least an Oscar nomination

Ariana Grande’s Glinda in Wicked: For Good might have been considered by critics and fans as deserving of Oscar recognition. She blended emotional vulnerability with sharp comedic timing, particularly as the character confronted friendship fractures and moral dilemmas, revealing a surprising depth.

Observers could not help but admire Ariana Grande’s scene-stealing physicality, from perfectly timed heel kicks to playful hair flips. These touches recalled the charm of cinema’s classic leading ladies while remaining integral to the story rather than mere spectacle.

Her vocal performance further impressed, with Grande retraining her voice for an operatic soprano range, handling live numbers like 'Popular' and 'Thank Goodness' with rare technical control. Critics emphasized that her singing reinforced the character’s emotional journey rather than simply showcasing skill.

Awards season momentum seemed to position Ariana Grande for Oscar contention, as nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and SAG Awards suggested. Yet her omission highlights the Academy’s historic tendency to overlook performances that mix comedy, music, and theatricality despite evident talent.

Do you think Ariana Grande should have won an award for her role as Glinda? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui