Ariana Grande looks like an early favorite to win best supporting actress at the 2025 Academy Awards — while “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo is set to face stiff competition from Angelina Jolie and Mickey Madison in the best actress category, Hollywood sources tell Page Six. .
The stars of the blockbuster musical, which has grossed $263 million in the US alone in just 10 days, have actually been grouped into different categories for their roles as Galinda/Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, rather than competing with each other.
Studio heads at Universal Pictures submitted this request to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after consultation with the Erivo and Grande teams. Ultimately, the final decision lies in the hands of the Academy.
The same pattern is expected to follow next year, after the “Wicked” sequel is released in November — which means Grande, 31, will be left out of the Best Actress category twice, but also that Erivo, 37, will take home the Best Actress award. . Second shot.
“They both have put their hearts and souls into this project and I am sure they will have a shot at Oscars,” an industry source said.
The actresses, who have spoken at length about the close bond they developed during filming, are fresh off a massive worldwide promotional tour that saw them cry in public during emotional interviews and launched the “waiting space” meme.
Last week, Universal was forced to issue a statement denying online rumors that Grande was paid $15 million for “Wicked” while Erivo was paid $1 million — saying the stars were paid the same salary.
Awards season begins right after the holidays, with the Golden Globes on Jan. 5 — where “Wicked” is said to be a favorite to win Best Motion Picture — Comedy or Drama.
The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 17, and bookmakers at Gold Derby have already picked Grande as the favorite against Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez.”
Daniel Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson), Isabella Rossellini (Concave), Monica Barbara (Totally Anonymous), Saoirse Ronan (Blitz), and Felicity Jones (Brutal). Supporting actress names.
Mickey Madison's star turn in “Anora” is currently the bookies' favorite for Best Actress, and she is expected to compete with Erivo, Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) and Carla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Perez”), who will be the actress. The first trans actress to be nominated.
Other names that have been floated include Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl” and Marianne Jean-Baptiste for “Hard Truths.”
There's even talk of Wicked being a top film after it smashed the box office once again over Thanksgiving weekend, grossing $360 million internationally over 10 days in theaters.
“Oscar voters loved ‘Wicked,’ and there were tears and standing ovations at the previews,” said one industry insider. “I wouldn't be surprised if we get the win.”
