In an exciting announcement that has captivated the entertainment world, Cynthia Erivo has emerged as a leading contender at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, securing a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her role as Elphaba in the blockbuster adaptation of “Wicked.” The nominations, announced amidst the backdrop of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which forced the cancellation of the live announcement event, were shared via press release on January 8, 2025.
“Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, has proven to be a juggernaut in this awards season, receiving a total of five nominations. Erivo’s performance has been widely celebrated for its depth, emotional range, and vocal prowess, bringing the beloved character of Elphaba to life in a way that has resonated with both critics and audiences alike. Alongside Erivo, her co-stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey also garnered nominations for their roles as Glinda and Fiyero, respectively, highlighting the film’s strong ensemble cast.
Erivo’s nomination marks another milestone in her already illustrious career, adding to her accolades, which include a Tony Award, Emmy Award, and Grammy Award, positioning her as one of the few artists in contention for an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). Her portrayal of Elphaba has been described as both haunting and transformative, with reviews lauding her for capturing the character’s complexity, from her outsider status to her journey towards self-acceptance and power.
The SAG Awards, voted on by the members of SAG-AFTRA, are particularly significant as they often serve as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, indicating strong support from the acting community. With “Wicked” leading the nominations, it’s clear that the film has struck a chord, not just for its spectacle but for the performances at its core.
Other notable nominations for “Wicked” include Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, further emphasizing the film’s strength, and a nod for Outstanding Action Performance by a stunt group, acknowledging the technical prowess behind the film’s magical sequences.
The ceremony, scheduled to stream live on Netflix on February 23, 2025, from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with Kristen Bell as host, promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence. Erivo’s nomination not only spotlights her individual achievement but also underscores the cultural impact of “Wicked,” a story that continues to inspire and resonate across generations.
As Erivo joins the ranks of nominees like Pamela Anderson, Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison, and Demi Moore in the leading actress category, her performance sets the stage for what many hope will be a night of recognition for diverse and compelling performances across the board.
The entertainment industry and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the awards, with many rooting for Erivo, whose journey from Broadway to this pinnacle of film recognition has been nothing short of magical. Whether or not she takes home the award, her nomination is a testament to her talent and the transformative power of storytelling in cinema.
