As a lifelong Ariana Grande fan, I was on the edge of my seat during the 97th Academy Awards. Ariana had earned her very first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her enchanting portrayal of Glinda in Wicked. Many of us believed this could be her moment – after all, Wicked was a smash hit, earning a staggering $728 million worldwide at the box office. But when the envelope was opened, our hearts sank: the Oscar went to Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez, leaving Ariana empty-handed. In that instant, cheers turned to gasps, and an overwhelming sense of disappointment set in.
A Heartbreaking Oscars Night for Ariana and Her Fans
Losing is never easy, but it was especially tough to watch Ariana lose after pouring her heart and soul into the role of Glinda. As the winner’s name was announced, cameras caught Ariana’s face – she mustered a smile and applauded gracefully for her fellow nominee, but fans could see the glimmer of heartbreak behind her eyes. On social media, Arianators (Ariana’s devoted fans) didn’t hold back their feelings. “This is some bullsh**. Ariana was robbed,” one fan wrote bluntly on X (formerly Twitter). Another rallied, posting “JUSTICE FOR ARIANA GRANDE,” expressing what we were all thinking. It just didn’t seem fair that such a stunning performance – one that had moved audiences to laughter and tears – went unrecognized by the Academy.
What made the Oscars loss sting even more is that it wasn’t the first time Ariana had been snubbed this awards season. In the weeks leading up to the Oscars, she had already missed out on the Golden Globe and the SAG Award for the same role. In both cases, Zoe Saldaña beat her out, establishing a frustrating pattern. Ariana remained the picture of grace through it all, flashing her warm smile each time and congratulating the winners, but fans grew increasingly upset on her behalf. We saw her dazzling on every red carpet in gorgeous, Glinda-inspired gowns and giving her all in live musical performances, yet each ceremony ended with her walking away empty-handed. As a supporter, it was heartbreaking to witness our girl repeatedly give 110% and still not get that trophy we felt she deserved.
Despite the disappointment, one thing is certain: Ariana Grande shined in Wicked. Her transition from pop superstar to bona fide actress was nothing short of magical. She spent over a year dedicating herself to this project – rehearsing vocals, perfecting choreography, and truly becoming Glinda on screen. Fellow cast and crew have praised how passionate and hardworking she was throughout filming. And audiences felt it too; her performance was equal parts charming, funny, and heartfelt. Many fans and even critics argue that Ariana’s work was just as deserving of the Oscar as the eventual winner’s. “She carried every scene she was in,” some would say, pointing out how her comedic timing and powerful vocals lit up the movie.
It’s proof that her talent knows no bounds. So, while the Academy didn’t give her that statue, in fans’ eyes Ariana is already a winner. The love and excitement she brought to Wicked has inspired countless young performers and made longtime fans even prouder. We celebrate her not just for the awards she wins, but for the joy and passion she pours into her art every day. As Ariana herself has hinted, there’s another chance on the horizon – the second Wicked film hits theaters next year, and we’re “trusting the process” that maybe that will be the role that finally earns her the trophy she so deeply deserves.
