Ariana Grande made a striking appearance at the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11, turning heads in a black Vivienne Westwood Couture ball gown. The look, which immediately sparked conversation online, appeared to draw inspiration from her character, Elphaba Thropp, in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good. This arrival on the red carpet followed a period of anticipation surrounding Grande’s fashion choices during the film’s press tour, which had largely focused on the pink color palette associated with her other character, Glinda the Good Witch.
The singer and actress, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Wicked, expressed gratitude for the recognition of her work. “Thank you so much Golden Globes for this tremendous honor and recognizing this performance a second time,” she shared in an Instagram Story on December 8, according to reports. She echoed this sentiment at the New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good in November, calling the nomination “incredible” and expressing her honor to be acknowledged alongside her co-stars.
A Fashion Shift Reflecting Character Depth
Grande’s choice of a black gown marked a notable departure from the brightly-colored looks she’d favored throughout the Wicked promotional campaign. Stylist Law Roach orchestrated the ensemble, which many observers felt channeled the darker aesthetic of Elphaba, the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West.” The shift in style suggests a deliberate effort to visually represent the complexities of both characters Grande portrays in the highly anticipated film adaptation. The choice to embody Elphaba’s aesthetic at the Golden Globes highlights the duality within Wicked and the nuanced portrayal Grande brings to both Glinda and her friend-turned-foe.
The 32-year-old actress was nominated alongside Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for the award, which ultimately went to another nominee.
Golden Globes Recognition and Wicked Anticipation
The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, hosted by Nikki Glaser, provided a platform for celebrating achievements in film, and television. Grande’s nomination underscored the growing buzz surrounding Wicked: For Good, a musical adaptation of the beloved Broadway show. The film, which reimagines the classic story of the Wizard of Oz, has already generated significant excitement among fans and critics alike.
Prior to the Golden Globes, Grande had been showcasing looks heavily inspired by Glinda’s signature pink hues. This strategic styling choice built anticipation for the film and visually connected Grande with the character known for her kindness and beauty. The transition to a darker, Elphaba-inspired look at the Globes signaled a deeper exploration of the story’s themes and the characters’ inner lives.
Watch: Golden Globes 2026: Teyana Taylor, Hailee Steinfeld and More Best Dressed CelebritiesLet us rejoicify for Ariana Grande’s latest red carpet look. The Wicked: For Good actress arrived at the 2026 Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan. 11 in a black Vivienne Westwood Coutoure ball gown, seemingly channeling her character Glinda Upland’s friend-turned-foe Elphaba Thropp https://t.co/qJq9wJq99q
Previous Red Carpet Appearance
Grande also attended the 82nd Annual Golden Globes, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. At that event, she wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown from the Audrey Hepburn era and was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for her work in Wicked. Images from the 2025 Golden Globes showcase this earlier red carpet look.
The anticipation surrounding Wicked: For Good continues to build as the release date approaches. Ariana Grande’s red carpet choices, from the pink-infused looks celebrating Glinda to the darker ensemble embodying Elphaba, offer a glimpse into the depth and complexity she brings to these iconic roles. Fans and industry observers alike are eager to see her full performance and the film’s interpretation of this beloved story.
As Wicked: For Good nears its release, further promotional events and appearances from the cast are expected. Updates on the film’s release date and additional details can be found on the official Wicked movie website and through verified news sources.
What do you feel of Ariana Grande’s Golden Globes look? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Wicked fans!
Keep reading
