Ariana Grande Defends 'Wicked: For Good' Team After Awards Snubs

August 11, 2026

Ariana Grande is backing her Wicked: For Good collaborators after Cynthia Erivo missed a SAG Actor Awards nomination and director Jon M. Chu was overlooked by the DGA. Speaking to Variety, Grande praised Erivo's performance as Elphaba and Chu's direction while emphasizing that the film was a deeply collaborative effort. Grande continues to receive awards recognition for Glinda.

Nominations tell only part of the story. Grande is focused on the work they created.
Nominations tell only part of the story. Grande is focused on the work they created.

Her response emphasizes collaboration and lasting artistic impact over individual awards recognition.

Grande is earning recognition herself. Glinda remains an awards contender.
Grande is earning recognition herself. Glinda remains an awards contender.

Her performance as Glinda has continued to receive major awards nominations during the season.

Their partnership shaped the film. Every contribution mattered.
Their partnership shaped the film. Every contribution mattered.

Grande described the creative process as one in which the performers and filmmakers continually informed each other's work.

Success belongs to the whole team. Grande is sharing the credit.
Success belongs to the whole team. Grande is sharing the credit.

The singer and actress said the recognition she receives also reflects the contributions of her collaborators.

For Grande, filmmaking is collaborative. No performance stands alone.
For Grande, filmmaking is collaborative. No performance stands alone.

She emphasized that the cast and filmmakers influenced and supported one another throughout production.

Erivo's Elphaba earned special recognition. Grande celebrated her performance.
Erivo's Elphaba earned special recognition. Grande celebrated her performance.

Grande highlighted the emotional honesty, vulnerability and strength Erivo brought to the role.

Grande believes the film will endure. Its impact matters beyond awards.
Grande believes the film will endure. Its impact matters beyond awards.

She praised Chu's work and expressed confidence that the movie will remain meaningful to audiences for years.

Jon M. Chu faced another omission. His direction still earned Grande's praise.
Jon M. Chu faced another omission. His direction still earned Grande's praise.

The filmmaker was also left out of the DGA nominations despite directing Wicked, For Good.

Ariana Grande is standing behind her Wicked, For Good team. Awards misses have not changed her support.
Ariana Grande is standing behind her Wicked, For Good team. Awards misses have not changed her support.

Grande defended her collaborators after Cynthia Erivo and director Jon M. Chu missed major awards nominations.

Cynthia Erivo missed a SAG nomination. Grande made her admiration clear.
Cynthia Erivo missed a SAG nomination. Grande made her admiration clear.

Grande responded after Erivo was not nominated at the SAG Actor Awards for her performance as Elphaba.