The 2026 Academy Awards nominations brought an unexpected blow to Wicked: For Good, as the high-profile musical sequel failed to make a showing in the year’s major categories, surprising fans and industry watchers alike.

The film, released in November, continues the two-part screen adaptation of the globally beloved Broadway musical, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda. Backed by strong box-office numbers and sustained audience interest, the sequel entered awards season with expectations of broader Academy recognition.

Its shutout stands in sharp contrast to the performance of its predecessor. Last year’s Wicked emerged as a major Oscars contender, earning double-digit nominations, including Best Picture and acting nods for both Erivo and Grande. The film ultimately took home trophies for Costume Design and Production Design, cementing its status as both a commercial and awards-season success.

This year’s outcome has reignited debate over the Academy’s uneven relationship with large-scale musical sequels, which often struggle to repeat the awards momentum of their original installments. Online reaction was swift, with disappointed fans questioning how a film with such cultural reach could be left largely unrecognized.

While Wicked: For Good now exits the Oscars race earlier than expected, its absence from the nominations may say less about audience reception — and more about the Academy’s evolving priorities as awards season moves forward.

The 2026 Academy Awards will be held 15 March at the Dolby Theatre, airing live at 4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu.