Yeoh, acknowledged that while the first instalment was widely praised, the sequel merited similar recognition
Michelle Yeoh has spoken out after Wicked: For Good failed to receive any nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards.
“I’m not surprised. I am in shock!” the 63-year-old actress said in an interview with Variety published on February 12. “I really am.”
Yeoh, who portrayed Madame Morrible in both Wicked films, acknowledged that while the first instalment was widely praised, she believes the sequel merited similar recognition. “I think sometimes the problem is that people think, ‘Oh, you already got so much with the first one, let other people have a chance.’ But then it feels like, ‘No, come on!’ It’s such a beautiful, well-made movie,” she said. “Paul [Tazewell] for costume design, hair and makeup. If you compare it [with contenders this year] it should be there.”
She also argued that director Jon M. Chu and set designer Alice Brooks deserved acknowledgement. “It’s not the replica of the first one. It’s more elaborate and there are many more new destinations in Wicked: For Good,” Yeoh added. “So I was truly, truly very disappointed.”
The original Wicked film received 10 nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. It ultimately won two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
The sequel concluded the story and introduced two new original songs, with Erivo performing “No Place Like Home” and Grande singing “Girl in the Bubble”. While audiences responded positively, the film earned a 66 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with 88 per cent for the first film.
When nominations for the 2026 ceremony were announced, Wicked: For Good was absent from all categories. Several fans expressed frustration online, particularly after F1 secured multiple nominations.
Despite the Oscars omission, Erivo and Grande recently won a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Defying Gravity” from the first film’s soundtrack.
