Los Angeles, CA – Ariana Grande's star turn as Glinda in the second installment of the Wicked film series earned her widespread acclaim and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, but the singer-actress ultimately went home empty-handed in that category on Sunday evening.
The awards ceremony, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4, 2026, celebrated the best in film and television. Grande, 32, was up against a formidable field including Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for their roles in Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan for Weapons, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another. It was Madigan who ultimately claimed the trophy for her performance in Weapons, leaving Grande to celebrate other aspects of the night's recognition for the Wicked franchise.
Despite the loss, Grande's portrayal of the bubbly Good Witch of the North in Wicked: For Good – the concluding chapter of the two-part musical adaptation of the Broadway hit – has been a highlight of the awards season. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, also features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, alongside a star-studded cast including Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Bowen Yang. Wicked: For Good itself garnered nominations in six additional categories at the Critics Choice Awards, including Best Picture, underscoring the project's broad appeal and critical success.
Grande's journey to embodying Glinda was no small feat. The role required her to delve deeply into the character's whimsical yet layered persona, a process she described as transformative. In a January 2025 profile with Variety, Grande reflected on the immersion: “Maybe people underestimate how long we spent finding and disappearing into these women,” she said, referring to both her and Erivo's preparations. “When certain inflections or mannerisms take time to melt away, sometimes people poke fun, but we had a job to do, and we had things to get lost in — because that’s what the piece required.”
She elaborated on the vocal demands of the character, noting, “Glinda required a lot of vocal work for me. Certain things maybe won’t melt away. Some will, but I’m really grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever. What a beautiful thing to be left with, and to feel the ghost of every day.” Grande's commitment to the role, which she had dreamed of playing for years, highlighted her evolution from pop sensation to respected thespian.
The bond between Grande and Erivo proved instrumental to their performances. The two actresses formed a close friendship on set, even forging a “pact” to support one another amid the pressures of filming. Erivo, 38, detailed this partnership in her memoir Simply More, published in November 2025. “We hear often how female costars — or really, any costars — can sometimes let their egos get in the way until they battle each other, destroying the creative process for everyone involved,” Erivo wrote. “We were determined to do the opposite. To be the opposite. To build on each other’s strengths, to encourage the other, to see if, like our voices, we could become more than the sum of our parts.”
Erivo further emphasized their synergy: “Our partnership was important. We shared a strong synergy, a commitment to authenticity, and that, combined with the natural connection we fostered both on and off set, allowed us to support each other emotionally and professionally.” This collaborative spirit mirrored the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda in the story, adding authenticity to their onscreen chemistry.
At the conclusion of the Wicked shoot, Grande and Erivo commemorated their experience with matching tattoos inspired by the duet “For Good,” a poignant song from the musical that symbolizes enduring friendship. Grande shared her sentiments in a 2024 interview with The New York Times: “I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way. I’m really proud of us for how genuinely we took care of each other throughout this whole time.”
The Wicked films, which began with the first part released in late 2024, have been a box-office phenomenon, drawing audiences with their faithful yet innovative take on the Broadway production. The story, originally penned by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, reimagines the Wizard of Oz prequel from the witches' perspectives. Chu's direction has been praised for blending spectacle with emotional depth, and the ensemble cast's performances have elevated the adaptation.
While Grande's Critics Choice nod was a milestone, it comes amid a busy awards season for the Wicked team. The film is also in contention at other major events, including the Golden Globes and Oscars, where supporting actress races are expected to be hotly contested. Industry observers note that Madigan's win for Weapons, a gritty drama about urban survival, reflects the Critics Choice voters' appreciation for diverse storytelling this year.
Grande's red carpet appearance at the Barker Hangar turned heads, as did the overall fashion parade documented in related coverage. The event's glamour extended beyond the awards, with attendees like Fanning and Taylor also drawing praise for their ensembles. For Grande, the night served as a platform to promote Wicked: For Good, which has already generated buzz for its musical sequences and visual effects.
Looking ahead, the Wicked duo's real-life friendship continues to inspire. Erivo's memoir has shed light on the challenges of high-profile collaborations, offering insights into Hollywood dynamics. Grande, meanwhile, has hinted at future projects that blend her music and acting careers, potentially building on the vocal prowess she honed as Glinda.
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards also highlighted broader trends in entertainment, with nominations spanning genres from musicals to thrillers. Sentimental Value's dual nods for Fanning and Lilleaas underscore the film's emotional resonance, while Sinners and One Battle After Another represent rising voices in independent cinema. As the season progresses, Grande's performance remains a frontrunner in many predictions, suggesting her Critics Choice moment is just one chapter in a promising narrative.
In the end, the evening at the Barker Hangar was less about individual trophies and more about the collective magic of storytelling. Grande's Glinda may not have lifted the statuette, but her embodiment of the character – and the supportive environment that made it possible – has left an indelible mark on audiences and peers alike. With Wicked: For Good still fresh in theaters, the film's legacy is only beginning to unfold.
As Hollywood turns its gaze to the next awards milestones, the Wicked cast's camaraderie stands as a reminder of what happens when talent meets mutual respect. Whether or not more accolades follow, Grande and Erivo's partnership has already proven to be, in the words of their duet, “for good.”