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‘Wicked’ Sends Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Into the Oscar Race; First Reactions Call It a ‘Masterpiece’ and an ‘Absolutely Stunning Vision’
The first reactions for "Wicked" are overwhelmingly positive as the film launches into Oscar season as a surefire contender.
However, Grande faces competition this year from a couple other multi-hyphenates aiming for Oscars, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Sadly, Lady Gaga’s awards hopes for “Joker 2” seem amid the film’s negative reviews and poor box office numbers. While musical performances can be Oscar gold — Jennifer Hudson’s win for “Dreamgirls” being a prime example — voters don’t always embrace the genre, and Erivo’s fate may depend on “Wicked’s” overall awards momentum. Musicals often find success in sound (see past winners like “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”) and “Wicked’s” sprawling landscapes — complete with flying monkeys and bustling train scenes — showcase the kind of visual spectacle the Academy sometimes rewards.
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