Cynthia Erivo 'smiling, beaming, glowing' as Wicked star issues heartfelt statement over 'unbelievable' Oscar nomination
WATCH HERE: Wicked Trailer - Universal Studios release first look at movie musical
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The musical film "Wicked" has secured 10 Academy Award nominations, including recognition for both of its leading stars.
Cynthia Erivo received a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of Elphaba, while Ariana Grande earned her first Oscar nod in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Glinda.
Erivo shared an emotional response on Instagram, reflecting on the significance of the moment and penned: "Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude.
"I am grateful, grateful to @theacademy, grateful to be a part of something that makes people feel seen, grateful to be a cog in the wheel of a piece that makes us believe in magic, grateful to have experienced a dream come true, and deeply deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition.
"I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.
"To my sister, @arianagrande, what a joy it is to be here with you watching as you ascend and amaze and become the actress you were meant to be. Congratulations first-time nominee, I’m so so proud of you!! There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you."
She concluded: "Thank you @jonmchu, our fearless leader whose kindness provided us with the room to play, you are deserving of all good things and I’m lucky to call you my brother. Marc, Winnie, Stephen, Universal fam, Wicked fam!!! LETS GO!!!"
Grande also posted her gratitude for being nominated, and posted a childhood photo of herself dressed similarly to Judy Garland's Dorothy, alongside a video of her singing "Defying Gravity."
In her heartfelt message, Grande expressed gratitude to director Jon M. Chu, thanking him "for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend."
She described herself as "humbled and deeply honoured" to be nominated alongside such "brilliant company."
The actresses built a strong bond throughout their time filming
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"Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition. I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise.
"I’m humbled and deeply honoured to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I’m so proud of you, tiny. thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for this acknowledgement @theacademy.
"I don’t quite have all my words yet, I’m still trying to breathe. but thank you. oh my goodness, thank you. Universal, Marc, my family, my heart.
"Lemons and melons and pears, oh my..."
The two co-stars shared touching tributes to each other in their posts, highlighting their close bond with Grande noting: "There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you." (sic)
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, 2 March at 7 pm ET, with Conan O'Brien hosting.
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They have both been nominated for their roles in the movie
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The nominations were announced on Thursday at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles, following two postponements due to wildfires in the region.
Grande faces competition in the Best Supporting Actress category from Monica Barbaro, Felicity Jones, Isabella Rossellini and Zoe Saldaña.
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