Ariana Grande Receives Second Golden Globe Nomination for Her ‘Wicked’ Performance
Ariana Grande has secured her second Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Glinda in the expanding Wicked film universe, marking a rare back-to-back honor in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Motion Picture category. The singer and actress was previously recognized for and is now nominated again for Wicked: For Good, both directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt.
The repeat nod underscores how Grande’s portrayal of Glinda has resonated not only with audiences but also with industry voters during two consecutive awards cycles. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Grande admitted she had not expected another nomination for the same character. “It is definitely just as exciting [as last year’s nomination] and kind of blindsiding. You don’t expect something like this, let alone for it to happen twice for the same role,” she said. “So I’m just deeply honored. I’m really moved by it.”
Grande faces an accomplished group of nominees in this year’s race. The supporting actress field also includes Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Amy Madigan (Weapons), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another). The lineup reflects a mix of prestige films, independent releases, and performance-driven projects, all of which have been part of a dynamic 2026 awards season.
Industry observers note that the category for supporting actresses has grown increasingly competitive, particularly with a surge of hybrid musician-actors, emerging international talent, and veteran performers appearing in independent productions. Grande’s continued presence among them indicates that her transition into dramatic acting is being taken seriously by both critics and awards bodies.
Following the nomination announcement, Grande took to Instagram to acknowledge the recognition. “Thank you so much @goldenglobes for this tremendous honor and for recognizing this performance a second time,” she wrote, adding that she was “truly moved and grateful” and struggled to find adequate words to express her appreciation. Grande also extended congratulations to her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, who secured her own second consecutive Golden Globe nomination.
Grande’s responses have consistently emphasized the emotional and personal weight of the Glinda role. After years of vocal training, intensive choreography, and a heavily scrutinized transition into mainstream film, the nominations arrive as validation of her work beyond the pop landscape, where she is already a household name.
Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The category includes Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*; Kate Hudson, Song Sung BlueChase Infiniti, One Battle After AnotherAmanda Seyfried, The Testament of Ann Lee*; and Emma Stone, Bugonia*.
Erivo shared her excitement on Instagram, describing the honor as a culmination of a meaningful creative process. “It has been a beautiful journey to play this character, and this is the cherry on top,” she wrote. The actress praised director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt for creating an environment where both leads could fully inhabit their roles. She also offered a celebratory message to Grande, referring to her as a “sweet sister.”
The dual nominations for Grande and Erivo signal a rare moment for a major movie musical, spotlighting Wicked not only as a commercial release but also as a serious contender in awards conversations. With the second installment expanding on the world introduced in the first film, industry analysts view these nominations as a sign of strong long-term interest, particularly as the franchise continues to be rolled out in phases.
