Oscar-Winning Director Chooses Wicked as Best Movie of 2024

Wicked made its cinematic debut in November, adapting the beloved Broadway show inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. This film serves as a prequel to the classic The Wizard of Oz (1939) and is helmed by director Jon M. Chu. It narrates the origins of two iconic characters, Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo), who evolve into the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively.

The reception for Wicked has been overwhelmingly positive, garnering critical acclaim and setting the stage for a strong presence in the upcoming Oscars, including potential nods for Best Picture. Since its release, the film has not only captured the hearts of critics but has also proven to be a box office hit, amassing a remarkable $643 million globally. This success paves the way for the anticipated release of Wicked: For Good in November, which promises to conclude Glinda and Elphaba’s journey.

Oliver Stone Names Wicked His Top Movie Of 2024

Celebrated Director Highlights The Year’s Top Three Films

Renowned Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone has declared Wicked his favorite film of 2024, further solidifying its critical acclaim. Stone, known for his impactful works such as Platoon (1986), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), and JFK (1991), has a storied career filled with Oscar nominations and wins, including Best Director honors. His endorsement adds significant weight to the film’s reputation.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Stone expressed his enthusiasm for the film, highlighting both Ariana Grande’s and Cynthia Erivo’s standout performances, while also applauding Chu’s direction in adapting such complex material. Stone placed Wicked at the pinnacle of his top three movies for the year, alongside the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and the papal thriller Conclave. His full reflection can be found in the post shared below:

Exciting New Year’s Movies (1/2): Delighted to share with you my joy over a spate of recent films I’ve seen. So many good ones and fine filmmakers! I’m not seen all of these yet, so apologies to those left out, but of those I have seen “1. #Wicked – Wow! I never saw the stage… pic.twitter.com/uMR8twnZhM — Oliver Stone (@TheOliverStone) December 31, 2024

Stone expressed his astonishment at the film: “Wow! I never saw the stage play or followed the coverage, but I just purely loved the sensuality and intelligence of the movie. I didn’t know these two actresses, but what a surprise to find both their performances so fresh and different. Ariana Grande is a marvel of cuteness with her sparkly eyes – who, I wonder, could’ve given birth to such a delightful fairytale creature? And Cynthia Erivo brings a depth and intelligence to Elphaba, the Evil Witch from Oz, that is very moving!”

Furthermore, Stone praised director Jon M. Chu, stating that he is “a helluva filmmaker”who successfully navigated the intricacies of adapting this prequel with a Hollywood studio, transforming the narrative of The Wizard of Oz in profound ways.

Implications of Stone’s Endorsement for Wicked

Chu’s Musical Positioned for Award Recognition

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba singing The Wizard and I in Wicked

Before its release, Wicked was not viewed as a serious contender in the awards landscape. However, post-debut, it has been recognized as an extraordinary work. With an impressive 89% critic score and a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has captivated a diverse audience, including Oscar voters.

Both A Complete Unknown and Conclave are also generating buzz as potential Oscar contenders this season.

Oliver Stone’s recognition of Wicked as the top film of 2024 underscores its significance in the upcoming Oscars. This musical not only has a viable chance to win Best Picture but may excel in acting and directing awards as well. The only notable hurdle is the film’s narrative structure, which sets the stage for a sequel rather than providing a definitive conclusion. Regardless, it is evident that Wicked has dominated the cinematic landscape of 2024.

Source: Oliver Stone

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