Ariana Grande’s Oscar Buzz & The Future of Film Music
The entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation. With Ariana Grande reprising her role as Glinda in “Wicked: For Good,” and the second installment of the iconic story primed for the 2026 Academy Awards, all eyes are on a potential Oscar win. But will it be for her acting, or is another musical achievement on the horizon?
The Musical Landscape: Oscar’s Newest Frontier
The Academy has long celebrated musical excellence. The potential for Ariana Grande to win “Best Original Song” highlights a significant trend: the increasing importance of music in film. With two original songs penned by the legendary Stephen Schwartz, the musical landscape is set to be a major player in “Wicked: For Good.” This also gives Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, a shot at the golden statue, as well.
This trend isn’t new. Films like “La La Land” and “A Star is Born” have proven that a well-crafted soundtrack, deeply intertwined with the narrative, can elevate a movie from good to great. Consider how the music in “Black Panther” not only enhanced the viewing experience, but also introduced groundbreaking sounds and earned a Best Original Score Oscar in 2019, signifying the Academy’s growing recognition of music’s pivotal role.
Did you know?
The Academy Awards only presents the Best Original Song award to songwriters who composed the best original song written specifically for a film, which means both Ariana and Cynthia must contribute to the production of the tracks, beyond lending their voices.
Behind the Scenes: The Songwriting Factor
To secure that coveted Oscar, Ariana and Cynthia will need to go beyond simply singing beautifully. They may have to actively be involved in the songwriting process, which involves not just performing the song, but being heavily involved in its creation. This includes being involved in writing, producing, and composing the song specifically for the film.
Pro tip:
Aspiring musicians aiming for an Oscar should collaborate with composers from the outset and become integral parts of the creative process, not just vocalists.
Consider Lin-Manuel Miranda, a composer, lyricist, and actor who has won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Being both the performer and songwriter provides an advantage in the eyes of the voters.
The Future: Musical Storytelling and Beyond
The success of “Wicked: For Good” and the potential for multiple Oscar nominations could signal a significant shift in how films are conceived and marketed. Expect studios to invest more in original scores and songs. Expect more musicals and films to feature major musical talent in the coming years.
Here’s what the future could look like:
- Increased collaboration: More actors will partner with musicians.
- Focus on Originality: Films will strive for fresh, inventive musical scores.
- Marketing Power: soundtracks become a key marketing tool.
This trend is already evident. Look at the success of the “Barbie” soundtrack, which generated several chart-topping singles and boosted the film’s overall popularity.
EGOT Dreams and the Impact of “Wicked”
Winning an Oscar for either Ariana or Cynthia would be a huge win for them, and the musical could be a career-defining moment. Cynthia Erivo, who has already won an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony, would be one step closer to achieving EGOT status. For Ariana, the win would bring her closer to scoring an EGOT herself.
This film is set to generate buzz on social media. It is something to keep an eye on as more details emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does “Wicked: For Good” arrive in theaters?
A: November 21, 2025.
Q: What does EGOT stand for?
A: It represents the achievement of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
Q: Who is composing the new songs for “Wicked”?
A: Stephen Schwartz, the original composer of the Broadway show.
Q: What is the Best Original Song award criteria?
A: The song must be original and written specifically for the film.
Q: Will Ariana Grande win the Oscar?
A: While fans hope so, much depends on her involvement in the songs’ creation and how the songs resonate with Academy voters.
Q: What are the musical trends?
A: Expect studios to invest more in original scores and songs. Expect more musicals and films to feature major musical talent in the coming years.
Are you excited about “Wicked: For Good” and its potential for Oscar glory? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Want to know more about what other celebrities will be up for awards? Read more about the Academy Awards.