How Wicked Secured a Guaranteed Oscar Nomination with One Key Decision That Its Sequel Will Not Follow

Following its remarkable debut at the close of 2024, Wicked has solidified its status as a cinematic phenomenon, grossing an impressive $465 million and earning a place among the year’s most successful films. Featuring a distinguished ensemble cast, captivating musical performances, and striking visuals, the film has garnered widespread acclaim. Despite its current popularity, however, the road to award nominations in 2025 might not be as clear-cut as it seems, particularly without a crucial element that the sequel has successfully confirmed.

The Major Disadvantage for Wicked

Wicked is in line for various accolades, including the Oscars and Golden Globes, but the absence of one critical nomination — Best Original Song — is particularly noteworthy. The film’s musical essence is a significant draw, with audiences enamored by the performances of lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. While the movie showcases outstanding visuals and performances, the true magic lies within its soundtrack.

The Hurdle: Why Wicked Lacks Original Songs

Regrettably, despite the film’s strong musicality, Wicked cannot contend for the Best Original Song award at the Academy Awards because its soundtrack lacks newly composed songs. All twelve tracks featured in the film originate from the beloved Wicked stage musical. While the cast undoubtedly brings fresh interpretations to these songs, they do not meet the criteria for new compositions, thus eliminating the possibility of this coveted nomination.

Title	Singer
No One Mourns The Wicked (featuring Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke, & Jenna Boyd)	Ariana Grande
Dear Old Shiz (featuring Ariana Grande)	Shiz University Choir
The Wizard & I (featuring Michelle Yeoh)	Cynthia Erivo
What Is This Feeling?	Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo
Something Bad (featuring Cynthia Erivo)	Peter Dinklage
Dancing Through Life (featuring Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, & Cynthia Erivo)	Jonathan Bailey
Popular	Ariana Grande
I’m Not That Girl	Cynthia Erivo
One Short Day (featuring Michael McCorry Rose)	Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, & Idina Menzel
A Sentimental Man	Jeff Goldblum

The absence of original songs raises the question: what prevented the inclusion of new tracks? Time constraints likely played a significant role. With eleven established songs, many already featuring extensive choreography and visual sequences, introducing a new original number could have disrupted the film’s pacing or runtime. This strategic decision allowed each song to shine without feeling rushed.

A Missed Opportunity for Wicked at the Oscars

Could Wicked Have Clinched the Best Song Oscar?

It seems quite likely that had Wicked included an original song, it would have qualified for a Best Original Song nomination at the 2025 Oscars. Regardless of the song’s artistic merit, the film’s immense popularity would have ensured its presence on the Academy’s radar.

While Wicked may be out of contention this time, discussions are already swirling regarding which films will emerge victorious in the Best Original Song category. Notable contenders include tracks like “Mi Camino”and “El Mal”by Emilia Pérez, “Piece by Piece”from Pharrell Williams’ Lego film, and “Harper and Will Go West.”Other possible competitors include Moana 2, The Wild Robot, and Joker: Folie à Deux. Despite the tough competition, Wicked could have proven itself a formidable player.

The Future: Wicked 2 and Its Oscar Potential

Anticipated Original Songs in Wicked 2

Elphaba alongside her father, Governor Thrope

Excitingly, Wicked: Part Two will introduce two brand new songs to its soundtrack. While details regarding these tracks’ themes and performers remain under wraps, the renowned Stephen Schwartz has been confirmed as the writer. This ensures that the sequel will not only expand the Wicked narrative but also pave the way for a potentially successful Oscar campaign.

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