Golden Globes Upset: Wicked’s Biggest Surprise Yet
Journey Tribune – The nominations for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards were unveiled on Monday morning, immediately sparking debate across Hollywood as familiar favorites and unexpected contenders filled the lists. Leading the pack this year is One Battle After Another, which dominated with nine nominations, securing its reputation as one of the awards season’s strongest forces. But amid the expected triumphs, one of the morning’s most talked-about moments came from a film many believed would cruise comfortably into the major categories: “Wicked: For Good.”
A Sequel With High Hopes Meets an Unexpected Roadblock
As the nominees were read, the Wicked sequel initially appeared to be enjoying a warm reception from Globe voters. The film earned two nominations for original songs, and the blockbuster’s star power was reaffirmed as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande each landed spots in the acting categories for comedy or musical. The strong early momentum positioned Wicked: For Good as a likely contender in the headline race for best comedy or musical, especially considering that last year’s Wicked (Part One) secured that nomination with little friction.
But then came a twist few saw coming. When the category for best comedy or musical was announced, Wicked: For Good was absent, marking one of the morning’s biggest omissions. The surprise snub quickly became a talking point among industry watchers, not only because the film carried massive expectations, but also because it represents one of the year’s highest-profile musical productions.
While reviews for the sequel have been slightly less enthusiastic compared to the first installment—with some critics noting a dip in cohesion and emotional impact—industry insiders still widely assumed that Globe voters would embrace it. The sequel’s production scale, fanbase, and extensive awards campaign all seemed to point toward a repeat showing in the top category. Instead, the film’s journey this awards season begins with a blemish that few anticipated.
Musicals Face a Difficult Year
The omission of Wicked: For Good may not be entirely isolated. The Globes’ voting body appeared to adopt a restrained approach toward musicals this year. “The Testament of Ann Lee,” a Shaker-themed musical drama expected to generate significant attention, failed to earn nominations in several music-centered categories—most notably best song and best score.
Despite critical acclaim for its stylistic ambition and craftsmanship, the film managed only a single nomination: best actress, awarded to Amanda Seyfried for her lead performance. The unexpected shutout in categories traditionally favorable to musicals gave industry observers the sense that Globe voters may have been less receptive to the genre this season.
The cool reception toward musicals stands in stark contrast to last year’s awards cycle, which featured robust representation from the genre, including a strong showing from the original Wicked film. This shift raises questions about whether the trend will continue through the Oscar nominations later this winter.
A Competitive Field Shapes the Race
The broader landscape of nominees helps explain some of the turbulence. This year’s comedy or musical category features a crowded field of high-performing titles, many of which earned praise for originality, ensemble casts, or innovative storytelling. With such tight competition, even major studio tentpoles were not immune to being edged out.
Still, for Wicked: For Good, the omission stings more sharply given its cultural and commercial profile. The film remains one of Universal Pictures’ most ambitious productions of the year, and its fanbase—spanning Broadway loyalists, fantasy enthusiasts, and mainstream moviegoers—had widely expected the sequel to replicate its predecessor’s awards path.
Industry Reaction and What Comes Next
Reactions from analysts and fans began circulating within minutes of the announcement. Some argued that the snub may reflect a shifting attitude toward large-scale musical sequels, while others framed it as a reminder that awards bodies often resist falling into predictable patterns. The acting nominations for Erivo and Grande, however, signal that the film still holds strong sway in performance categories, and its dual song nominations demonstrate that its musical components remain competitive.
As awards season unfolds, the Golden Globe surprise may energize the team behind Wicked: For Good, adding urgency to their Oscar campaign. The film’s visibility, combined with its built-in cultural footprint, means it is far from out of the race. And if history is any indication, awards trajectories can shift dramatically between December nominations and final voting in the spring.
For now, the sequel enters the conversation with both notable achievements and a headline-making absence—an early reminder that even the biggest contenders can find themselves navigating an unpredictable awards landscape.
