Watch These Two Acclaimed Movies on Netflix Now to Fully Understand the 2024 Musical Battle

This year has been a remarkable one for musical films, with the highly anticipated release of Wicked taking the spotlight. Yet, two new entries on Netflix, Emilia Pérez and Maria, are making significant waves in the competition for the best musical of 2024. While Wicked has already grossed an impressive $333 million at the box office, its Golden Globe nominations face stiff competition from Emilia Pérez.

Indeed, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for musical storytelling, with Wicked, Emilia Pérez, and Maria, a biographical exploration of the acclaimed opera singer Maria Callas, all vying for accolades. As these three films enjoy notable attention and acclaim, the awards season is predicted to be highly competitive, leaving audiences asking: Will these new narratives outshine the Broadway phenomenon, or is Wicked destined to dominate the awards circuit?

A Competitive Race for Musical Dominance in 2024

Major Successes and Recognition for All Three Musicals

Though the official Oscar nominations for 2025 will not be unveiled until mid-January, conversations about potential nominees are already buzzing. Wicked, Emilia Pérez, and Maria are at the heart of this discussion. While the unpredictability of awards nominations can lead to unexpected outcomes, the Golden Globe nominations already provide insight into the frontrunners.

Notably, Emilia Pérez has garnered an impressive ten Golden Globe nominations for 2025, including honors for Karla Sofía Gascón as Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, along with nominations for Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña for their supporting roles. In comparison, Wicked received four nominations, partially impacted by its reliance on previously established songs from the Broadway adaptation, which limits its eligibility in specific categories like Best Original Song.

Among its nominations, Wicked has recognized performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, reflecting their pivotal roles in the film. Meanwhile, Maria has secured one nomination: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Angelina Jolie. Though recognitions can differ between awards, they often hint at what lies ahead.

The Strengths of Wicked as 2024’s Top Musical

Stellar Performances by Erivo and Grande

Wicked Poster Glinda and Elphaba — Image via Universal Pictures

Wicked is poised for potential major awards in 2025, as it remarkably stands as the only non-sequel among the top ten highest-grossing films of 2024. A combination of factors contributes to the film’s success, evident in its Golden Globe nominations for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, as well as Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. At the core of this success are the remarkable performances delivered by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Critics and audiences alike agree that the portrayal of Elphaba and Galinda by Erivo and Grande brings a unique magic to the beloved Broadway tale, cementing Wicked as a strong contender for the best musical of 2024.

The Appeal of Emilia Pérez

Star Power in Emilia Pérez

Scene from Emilia Pérez — Image via Netflix

Unlike Wicked, Emilia Pérez does not draw from a true story, yet it grapples with deeply resonant themes. This musical features notable performances from Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, who bring their talents to a soundtrack that enhances its storytelling. The narrative revolves around Emilia Pérez, a trans woman who stages her own death to live authentically. Through this lens, the film navigates complex topics such as friendships, parenthood, and the impact of drug cartels.

While Emilia Pérez has faced criticism for its narrative choices, particularly regarding its portrayal of trans identity, the film has still garnered significant recognition in the form of numerous Golden Globe nominations. This acclaim suggests it may continue to rise in stature during Oscars discussions. With the strong performances on display, Emilia Pérez is indeed considered a serious contender for the best musical of 2024.

The Depth of Maria

Angelina Jolie Shines in Maria

In contrast to Emilia Pérez, Maria is based on the poignant true story of opera sensation Maria Callas, who passed away at 53 under heartbreaking circumstances. Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is powerful and distinctive, showcasing not only her emotive acting but also her ability to channel Callas’s signature operatic vocals. Notably, the music features a blend of Jolie’s own singing and archival recordings of Callas herself.

The depth of Jolie’s performance is notable, bringing an emotional gravity that differentiates Maria from its contemporaries. Although all three films address challenging and intricate themes, Maria is marked by its nuanced tone and dramatic classification, setting it apart when compared to the lighter categorization of Wicked and Emilia Pérez.

Ultimately, as the musical landscape of 2024 unfolds, each film possesses distinctive merits that set them apart. The competition remains fierce, and the outcome of this year’s awards season will unveil which musical takes the crown. However, it is also essential to appreciate each film for its unique contributions to the genre, celebrating the artistic achievements collectively brought forth by Emilia Pérez, Maria, and Wicked.

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