As awards season heats up, Variety has made a bold prediction—pop icon and actress Ariana Grande is currently favored to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. With industry buzz surrounding her performance in the upcoming Wicked adaptation, Grande’s transition from music superstar to award-winning actress may soon become a reality.
Ariana Grande’s Breakout Role in Wicked
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, set to release in November 2024, stars Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch alongside Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. As one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals, Wicked has a built-in fanbase, but early reactions suggest that Grande’s performance is a major standout.
Her portrayal of Glinda not only showcases her powerful vocals but also highlights her acting skills, which have been earning praise from industry insiders. If Variety’s prediction holds true, this could mark a historic moment for Grande, solidifying her as a formidable talent in both music and film.
Why Variety Predicts Grande as the Oscar Frontrunner
Variety’s Oscar predictions are based on a combination of industry buzz, early reviews, and awards circuit momentum. Here’s why Ariana Grande is emerging as a strong contender:
- Vocal and Acting Talent – Grande’s performance reportedly balances humor, charm, and emotional depth, making her a standout in the category.
- Oscar Love for Musical Performances – Past winners, including Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) and Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables), prove that powerful performances in musicals often resonate with Academy voters.
- Major Studio Backing – Wicked is being produced by Universal Pictures, which has a strong track record of Oscar campaigns.
- Star Power & Transformation – Grande’s shift from pop star to serious actress could be a compelling awards narrative, much like Lady Gaga’s success in A Star Is Born.
Competition in the Best Supporting Actress Category
While Variety is backing Grande, she will face stiff competition in the Best Supporting Actress race. Other strong contenders include:
- Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple) – Another musical performance gaining traction.
- Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer) – A critically acclaimed performance in one of the year’s biggest films.
- Jodie Foster (Nyad) – An awards-season favorite with multiple Oscar nominations in her career.
The final Oscar nominations will depend on how Wicked performs at the box office and critics’ reviews, but Variety’s prediction suggests that Ariana Grande is a serious contender for gold.
Could Ariana Grande Win Her First Oscar?
If Grande wins, she would join an elite list of musicians-turned-Oscar winners, further proving her artistic versatility. With a Grammy-winning music career and now a potential Academy Award, she would cement herself as one of the most dynamic entertainers of her generation.
As awards season unfolds, all eyes will be on Wicked and whether Ariana Grande’s Glinda can make Oscar history. Fans and critics alike eagerly await the film’s release to see if Variety’s prediction comes true.
Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the 2025 Academy Awards!
