“Wicked” gains momentum for the Oscars after winning big at the National Board of Review. Could it claim the coveted Best Picture award?
Introduction: A Wickedly Promising Contender for Best Picture
The movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, becoming a frontrunner in the 2024 awards season. With the National Board of Review (NBR) naming it the Best Film of 2024, the blockbuster now holds a stronger chance of being nominated—and potentially winning—the coveted Best Picture Oscar. But will it defy the odds and soar to victory? Let’s explore the factors contributing to its rise and the challenges it may face in securing the Academy’s top honor.
A Look at ‘Wicked’s’ Achievements in the Awards Race
NBR Recognition: A Prestigious Milestone
The National Board of Review’s selection of Wicked as its Best Film of 2024 has solidified its status as a major contender this awards season. Historically, the NBR’s Best Film winner often garners a Best Picture Oscar nomination. However, only a select few, such as No Country for Old Men (2007), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), and Green Book (2018), have gone on to win the Academy Award.
The NBR also honored Jon M. Chu with its Best Director Award for his visionary approach to the film. Additionally, stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) were recipients of the Spotlight Award, celebrating their exceptional performances.
Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success
The musical adaptation has garnered widespread praise for its enchanting visuals, breathtaking music, and stellar performances. According to NBR President Annie Schulhof, Wicked “represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences.” With its stunning production design, captivating storyline, and iconic songs, Wicked offers a cinematic experience that has resonated with viewers globally.
Its box office performance mirrors this acclaim. Following in the footsteps of crowd-pleasers like Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion, Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon.
Challenges on the Path to Oscar Glory
The Academy’s Hesitation Toward Blockbusters
While blockbusters like Wicked have the potential to dominate the box office and win critical acclaim, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been selective about awarding such films its highest honor. Notable examples include Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which, despite receiving widespread love and the NBR’s top prize, lost to Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Competition From Other Films
This year’s Oscar race features a robust lineup of contenders. The NBR’s list of top films for 2024 includes critically lauded titles like Anora, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and Gladiator II. Additionally, films like The Brutalist, which won Best Film from the New York Film Critics Circle, pose formidable competition.
What Sets ‘Wicked’ Apart?
A Legendary Story Reimagined
Wicked takes audiences on a journey into the untold backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, two iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. The movie adaptation builds on the beloved Broadway musical while introducing cinematic elements that elevate the story.
Musical Mastery
The film’s unforgettable soundtrack—featuring hits like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”—is expertly performed by the cast. The music not only resonates with longtime fans of the musical but also captivates new audiences.
Stellar Performances
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver show-stopping performances, bringing emotional depth and charisma to their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. Their work has already earned them significant recognition this awards season, further bolstering the film’s Oscar campaign.
The Historical Impact of NBR Winners on the Oscars
A Mixed Track Record
While the NBR’s Best Film winner is often nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, only three have won since 2000. However, these films—No Country for Old Men, Slumdog Millionaire, and Green Book—share a common trait: they left an indelible impact on audiences and critics alike.
What This Means for ‘Wicked’
The recognition from the NBR positions Wicked as a serious contender. With its combination of critical acclaim, box office success, and cultural significance, the film could break the mold and claim the Academy’s top prize.
Future Prospects: Will ‘Wicked’ Defy Gravity at the Oscars?
The question remains: will Wicked follow the path of blockbuster successes like Oppenheimer, or will it face the same fate as Top Gun: Maverick? While challenges lie ahead, the film’s widespread appeal and awards momentum give it a strong shot at making history.
FAQs
1. What is ‘Wicked,’ and why is it significant?
Wicked is a movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical that tells the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda, two iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. It has gained critical acclaim for its music, performances, and production design, positioning it as a major Oscar contender.
2. How does the National Board of Review impact the Oscars?
The NBR’s Best Film winner often receives a Best Picture Oscar nomination. While not all winners secure the Academy Award, the recognition boosts a film’s visibility and awards momentum.
3. What are ‘Wicked’s’ chances of winning Best Picture?
Wicked has strong awards momentum, critical acclaim, and box office success. However, the Academy has historically been hesitant to award blockbusters its top honor, posing a challenge.
4. Who stars in the movie ‘Wicked’?
The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Both have received accolades for their performances, including the NBR Spotlight Award.
5. What makes ‘Wicked’ stand out from other Best Picture contenders?
Wicked combines a beloved story, a legendary soundtrack, and extraordinary performances with Jon M. Chu’s visionary direction, offering an immersive and magical cinematic experience.
