WICKED Soars with Seven BAFTA Nominations

Few stage-to-screen adaptations generate as much excitement as WICKED, the beloved musical that reimagines the untold story of the witches of Oz. With its vibrant music and boundary-pushing visuals, the show has dazzled audiences around the globe for nearly two decades. Now, the film adaptation appears to be following in its stage counterpart’s footsteps—having bagged seven BAFTA nominations and setting tongues wagging across the theatre and film worlds alike. Although it fell short of a nomination for Best Film, the buzz is undeniably strong, and industry insiders are already speculating about what this might mean for the Oscars.

The Magical World of Oz Reimagined

WICKED first burst onto the scene as a novel titled Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, penned by Gregory Maguire. It took the familiar framework of L Frank Baum’s Oz and injected it with moral complexity, unexpected friendships, and plenty of wit. That source material proved to be fertile ground for the stage musical, with Winnie Holzman crafting the book and Stephen Schwartz composing those now-iconic melodies, such as Defying Gravity and Popular.

The story follows two young women, Elphaba and Glinda, as they navigate friendship, rivalry, and destiny at Shiz University. One is green-skinned, misunderstood, and brilliantly talented, while the other is charismatic, ambitious, and quick to charm. Their journey takes them through the politics of Oz, culminating in the rise of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good—a narrative that cleverly intersects with Baum’s classic The Wizard of Oz. Thanks to its witty dialogue and powerful themes of identity, self-determination, and acceptance, WICKED has become one of the longest-running musicals in both Broadway and West End history.

The Star-Studded Cast

When news broke that Hollywood was taking another shot at Oz—this time by adapting WICKED—the casting announcements caused an immediate stir. Two of the industry’s biggest names signed on: Cynthia Erivo to play Elphaba and Ariana Grande to portray Glinda. Both are musical powerhouses, and their vocal prowess has already shone in their respective careers—Erivo with her Tony and Grammy wins for THE COLOUR PURPLE, and Grande with a string of chart-topping albums.

They’re joined by a remarkable ensemble that includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Peter Dinklage as Dr Dillamond. It’s a line-up brimming with accolades, from Yeoh’s Oscar success to Dinklage’s stellar reputation on stage and screen. The film is helmed by director Jon M Chu, whose previous work on IN THE HEIGHTS showcased his knack for big, splashy musicals. With so many high-calibre artists collaborating, expectations soared long before the first trailers dropped.

A Musical Legacy Comes to the Big Screen

Adapting such a cherished stage musical is no small undertaking, and fans were understandably cautious about how WICKED would translate to the silver screen. Would the movie retain the quirky charm of the original? Could the comedic beats, heartfelt ballads, and breathtaking set pieces work within a cinematic framework?

By most accounts—critics and audiences alike—the answer has been a resounding yes. Early previews drew praise for the film’s imaginative production design, expertly blending the candy-coloured vibrancy of Oz with the darker, more nuanced elements of Elphaba’s journey. As WhatsOnStage noted in its glowing review, the adaptation embraces the whimsy of the stage show while introducing richer visual layers that only film can achieve. If there were any doubts about whether the magic of WICKED would survive off the stage, the film’s warm reception quickly quashed them.

Seven BAFTA Nominations

The big news is that WICKED has now garnered an impressive seven BAFTA nominations, reinforcing its position as a serious contender in this year’s awards season. While it didn’t land a nod for Best Film—something that’s caused a bit of handwringing among industry watchers—its nominations elsewhere speak volumes about the production’s achievements.

Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are up for acting prizes, recognising their electrifying performances as Elphaba and Glinda. Industry insiders have lauded Erivo’s ability to bring emotional heft to the character of the so-called “Wicked Witch,” and Grande’s comedic timing paired with her vocal flair has made Glinda a scene-stealer. In addition to those acting categories, the film also picked up nominations for costume design, wigs, hair and make-up design, production design, sound design, and special effects.

The absence of a Best Film nod might be interpreted by some as a slight wobble heading into the Oscars. However, musicals sometimes find a warmer welcome in certain technical categories. Think of it this way: the grand spectacle, intricate visuals, and rich world-building inherent in a production like WICKED naturally lend themselves to recognition in design and craftsmanship awards. Historically, musicals such as CHICAGO and LA LA LAND also faced initial uncertainty but went on to claim major accolades. The question now is whether WICKED can build on its technical success to clinch top-tier wins as the season unfolds.

A High-Stakes Run at the Oscars

Awards analysts—those who live and breathe the ups and downs of the nomination circuit—are quick to point out that BAFTA nods often foreshadow how well a film might do at the Academy Awards. Yet the Oscars can be a fickle beast, with separate voting bodies and differing tastes. Whether WICKED can crack the Best Picture race there remains to be seen, but its strong showing at the Golden Globes (where it picked up multiple nominations) hints that it could be a real contender. After all, musicals have enjoyed a renewed popularity in Hollywood, with features like WEST SIDE STORY (2021) and IN THE HEIGHTS capturing significant attention.

Furthermore, the presence of big stars such as Michelle Yeoh and Peter Dinklage can’t be underestimated. Yeoh’s Oscar-winning turn in EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE placed her firmly on the Academy’s radar, and Dinklage’s longstanding respect in both film and theatre circles makes him a favourite with critics. If the Hollywood voting bloc is swayed by the overall calibre of talent involved, WICKED might just ride the wave to a string of Oscar nominations—particularly in categories like Best Original Song, if the film includes new Schwartz compositions, and Best Production Design.

The Impact on Theatre and Beyond

For theatre-lovers, seeing a stage phenomenon thrive on screen offers a double benefit. It not only bolsters the legacy of WICKED itself but also reignites public interest in live performance. People who fall in love with the movie might be tempted to see the stage version—whether that’s on Broadway, in the West End, or one of the many touring productions criss-crossing the globe. Already, theatre websites and box-office counters have reported spikes in WICKED ticket searches following the film’s favourable buzz.

This also has implications for the broader theatre scene. Another well-received stage-to-screen success, whether it’s WICKED or a different musical, often sets the stage (no pun intended) for further adaptations. With audiences showing an appetite for these large-scale, music-driven stories, it’s possible we’ll see renewed investment in filming established stage hits—or even brand-new musicals that aim to capture lightning in a bottle. There’s also the chance for Australian theatre references to pop up in the conversation, given that WICKED has boasted popular Australian runs in Melbourne and beyond—a point that resonates with Oz-lovers (and Oz as in Oz the country, as well as Oz the fictional land!) worldwide.

Anticipating the Sequel

A notable twist in WICKED’s journey to the silver screen is the decision to split the story into two parts. Director Jon M Chu announced that the film’s narrative would arrive in two halves, with the second release scheduled for November. This approach has proven successful for certain franchises, allowing for deeper character exploration and more robust story arcs.

Though the two-part structure might have stirred a bit of scepticism at first—would it feel drawn-out, or would it delve into the emotional core of Elphaba and Glinda’s bond?—early feedback suggests it’s a strategic move. With such a sprawling narrative and a host of iconic musical numbers, giving WICKED extra space to breathe could be the key to doing justice to the source material. Plus, from a purely practical standpoint, it means audiences will get an extra helping of Oz magic, spread across two distinct cinematic experiences.

The Road Ahead

Right now, all eyes are on how WICKED performs during the remainder of awards season. The BAFTAs will serve as a bellwether for its potential to snatch up multiple gongs—not just for its inimitable leading ladies, but also for the behind-the-scenes wizards who’ve brought Oz to vivid life. Meanwhile, the Oscars loom on the horizon, offering the final word on whether this adaptation can transcend the usual pitfalls musicals face at the ceremony.

Whatever happens, the film’s BAFTA success is a testament to the enduring power of a musical that has already captivated millions on stage. WICKED didn’t secure a Best Film nomination, but it did succeed in winning hearts and minds, as evidenced by its multiple nods in creative categories. If nothing else, it’s a sign that musicals, particularly those with a strong theatrical pedigree, continue to enchant critics and audiences alike.

The Magic of WICKED Lives On

With seven BAFTA nominations under its belt—and counting—WICKED looks well on its way to becoming one of the year’s most talked-about musicals. From the star power of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, to the bold production design that re-envisions Oz, the film has captivated the imaginations of movie-goers and theatre buffs alike. Whether it sweeps the awards season or not, it’s clear that WICKED is reaffirming what fans of the stage show have known all along: there’s something uniquely enthralling about journeying to Oz with Elphaba and Glinda.

For the millions of people who’ve cherished this musical over the years, the film’s success is more than just another Hollywood tale; it’s a cultural milestone that underscores theatre’s power to adapt, endure, and flourish. And with a sequel on the horizon, we have even more Oz-inspired magic to look forward to—one that might cast a fresh spell on audiences and critics in equal measure. After all, when it comes to WICKED, the story of friendship, destiny, and defying gravity never truly grows old.

To see the full list of BAFTA nominees, visit BAFTA.org.