Wicked's Award Optimism

by Chris Peterson

While the film adaptation of Wicked has been a commercial and critical success, last night’s results from the Golden Globes has fans feeling a bit deflated.

However, fans shouldn’t fret. If cinematic history and the creative decisions surrounding this adaptation are any indicators, the real awards glory will likely come with Wicked: Part 2. Here’s why fans should remain optimistic.

Splitting a story into two parts is not unprecedented in Hollywood, and the strategy often positions the second installment as the one with the most emotional payoff and narrative depth. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and even Dune (2021) all employed this format. In these cases, the second part was not only the narrative climax but also the installment that garnered the lion’s share of awards recognition. Even The Lord of the Rings didn’t dominate the award season until the final installment.

The reason is simple: the first film lays the groundwork, establishing characters, world-building, and stakes. Wicked: Part 1 follows this trajectory, focusing on the early friendship of Elphaba and Glinda and the events leading to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West. While emotionally resonant, it leaves the story’s most dramatic and heart-wrenching moments—such as the ultimate showdown between the witches, the fallout of their choices, and the redemption arcs—for the second film. Awards bodies often reward narratives that deliver a complete and satisfying emotional journey, which Part 2 is perfectly poised to provide.

Key to Wicked’s success has always been its emotional depth and its ability to reframe a classic story with nuance and heart. The musical’s second act, which aligns with much of what Part 2 will cover, is where its most iconic and impactful moments occur. Songs like “No Good Deed,” “For Good,” and the emotionally charged resolution of Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship are among the most moving sequences in musical theatre history. Translating these moments to film, with the added depth that cinema affords, will undoubtedly create awards-worthy performances and technical achievements.

Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) are already being lauded for their portrayals, but the true test of their range and the material’s power lies ahead in Part 2. If their performances are as strong as expected, they could become frontrunners in acting categories. Similarly, Stephen Schwartz’s music and lyrics, combined with the direction of Jon M. Chu, are likely to reach their zenith in the second film, making it a strong contender for awards in categories like Best Original Song and Best Adapted Screenplay.

For fans of Wicked, it’s important to remember that awards are a reflection of timing and storytelling structure as much as they are of quality. The story of Wicked is one of transformation, redemption, and enduring friendship, themes that resonate deeply when seen in their entirety. Part 1 has built a strong foundation, introducing audiences to the magical world of Oz and its complex characters. Now, it’s up to Part 2 to deliver the payoff that will leave audiences—and awards voters—spellbound.

So, take heart, Wicked fans. The best is yet to come, and when it does, it will likely be a triumph worth waiting for.