Universal's “Wicked” has finally been released to the film press, who are praising Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film's leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are also receiving high praise as the musical sees them head into Oscar season as acting contenders.

diversity Katcy Stephen praised the “Wicked” film as a “masterpiece,” adding, “Ariana Grande makes Glinda shine: she handles every moment with enthusiasm, humor and hair twists. Jon M. Chu gave the story so much new life that I can see why it had to be in two parts! The 20-year wait was worth it.”

Journalist Simon Thompson was impressed by the film's spectacle, calling it an “absolutely breathtaking vision”. The main actors Erivo and Grande are completely over the moon. While this may not convert many anti-music people, genre fans and die-hard Ozians (Wickhards?) will enjoy it.”

“Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have given us a musical masterpiece that is much more than we ever expected.” diversity Jazz Tangcay wrote. “Ariana and Cynthia will blow your mind. The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.”

Let me be clear: I am an “evil” bigot. I saw the original Broadway production starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their iconic roles as the misunderstood Elphaba and the effortlessly popular Glinda. It's hard to forget the magic they brought to the stage, which is why I approached the film adaptation from “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu with cautious optimism. But 60 seconds into the opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” my skepticism faded.

As Glinda, Ariana Grande brings charm and wit to a character known for her bubbly exterior and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star masters each of Glinda's signature numbers, including a delightful rendition of “Popular.” But it's her talent for comedic timing that makes her so memorable. Her delivery of various one-liners and jokes is one of the highlights of the film and could potentially earn her an Oscar nomination for the first time in the Best Supporting Actress category. It wouldn't be the first time a pop star made a successful move to the Dolby Theater: Cher won best actress for “Moonstruck” a few years after her first nomination in “Silkwood,” proving that pop stars can shine almost anywhere, be it right role in the cinema. This is the role Grande was born to play.

The supporting actress category has long been a welcome home for musical performances. From Meryl Streep's nomination in “Into the Woods” to Catherine Zeta-Jones' win in “Chicago,” the Academy has often celebrated actresses who can showcase their singing talent. However, Grande will have to compete with several other multi-talented Oscar-seekers this year, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Unfortunately, Lady Gaga's awards hopes for Joker 2 appear to be lingering amid the film's negative reviews and poor box office returns.

Joining Grande is Cynthia Erivo, a powerful actress with a Tony Award for The Color Purple and an Oscar nomination for portraying Harriet Tubman in Harriet. Here, Erivo faces off against Elphaba, the “evil” witch whose misunderstood nature underscores her longing to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own twist and depth to the role, portraying a character who, despite her undeniable powers, feels forever out of place in Oz. Given the competitive nature, Erivo's chances in the leading actress category are likely to be far greater than those of her co-star. While musical performances can be Oscar gold – Jennifer Hudson's win for “Dreamgirls” is a prime example – voters aren't always enthusiastic about the genre, and Erivo's fate may depend on the overall awards momentum on “Wicked.”

But can “Wicked Part One” secure a spot among the year’s best film nominees?

Its path lies in the artist categories, as technical nominations can increase a film's chances of winning Best Picture. While this isn't a surefire strategy, nominations for directing, acting and writing can propel a musical into the top category. The script category has traditionally been difficult for musicals; Only one won in the adapted category – 1958's “Gigi” – and only four were nominated.

The “Wicked” production team brings a wealth of Oscar experience. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, known for Christopher Nolan films like The Prestige, Dunkirk and Interstellar, steps onto gleaming sets and creates an Oz that feels both familiar and reinvented. Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell (“West Side Story”) adds to the film’s visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the makeup and hairstyling teams shine: Elphaba's bright green skin and Glinda's signature blonde curls appear on the big screen.

The sound and visual effects categories could also have a positive impact on “Wicked.” Musicals are often tonally successful (see previous winners like “Les Misérables” and “Dreamgirls”), and “Wicked's” sweeping landscapes — complete with flying monkeys and busy train scenes — represent the kind of visual spectacle that the Academy sometimes rewards.

While “Wicked Part One” does not feature an original song, sources suggest that Part Two, due out in 2025, will feature many original compositions. With a capable team and two strong leads, “Wicked” is poised to defy Oscar gravity as the campaign aims high.

You can find the first reactions to “Wicked” in the following posts.