Ariana Grande Poised for Oscar Glory in ‘Wicked: For Good’ Sequel
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A potential second Oscar nomination looms for Ariana Grande following rave early reviews of her performance as Glinda in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu. The sequel, building on the success of the first Wicked film which earned Grande a previous nomination, is already generating significant awards buzz.
Early screenings of Wicked: For Good have sparked enthusiastic reactions from critics, with many singling out Grande’s performance for particular praise. The film is set to open on November 21.
Grande’s Performance Called a “Tour de Force”
According to a senior entertainment editor, “Get ready for Ariana Grande as she takes this performance to the next level and is a tour de force.” This assessment highlights a significant leap in Grande’s acting ability, building upon her already acclaimed portrayal of Glinda. The editor also described the film overall as “sheer musical greatness.”
A Complex Portrayal of Glinda
Another writer noted that Grande’s “soaring turn as the girl in the bubble is an emotionally complex tightrope that she balances effortlessly as she tries oscillating between the Good Witch’s need for perfection and the struggle for Glinda’s agency.” This suggests a nuanced and layered performance, moving beyond a simple depiction of the iconic character.
Erivo and Grande: A Historic Potential
The performances of both Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, are being lauded. One observer stated, “Cynthia and Ari take their performances to the next level with jaw dropping performances. The film fully sticks the landing.” Should both actresses receive Oscar nominations, they would become only the seventh and eighth performers in Academy Awards history to be nominated twice for portraying the same role.
Central Emotional Arc
An entertainment writer further emphasized the film’s focus on Grande’s character, noting that “Structurally, Wicked: For Good is Ariana Grande’s movie in terms of central emotional arc, and she delivers big time.” This suggests that the narrative is heavily invested in Glinda’s journey, providing Grande with ample opportunity to showcase her acting range.
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