Anonymous voters reveal why they didn’t vote for Ariana Grande following Oscars snub

The 98th Academy Awards are approaching in March, and anticipation is building as film enthusiasts worldwide prepare to react to the nominees and eventual winners. This year’s nominations have already sparked discussion, particularly surrounding the performance of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, which received a record-breaking 16 nominations – surpassing the previous high of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.

A Shift in Momentum

The Golden Globes earlier this month offered a preview of potential Oscar contenders, with Jessie Buckley earning a nomination for best actress for Hamnet and Timothée Chalamet again in the running for best actor for Marty Supreme. This suggests a degree of overlap between the two awards ceremonies’ preferences.

The Wicked Snub and Academy Voter Reactions

However, a significant surprise emerged with the complete shutout of Wicked: For Good, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. This outcome is particularly notable given that the first film in the series garnered 10 nominations in 2025. The decision has prompted considerable debate, leading anonymous Oscar voters to speak with NewsNation about their reasoning.

According to these voters, the film itself was considered less impressive than its predecessor. However, concerns about the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo also played a role. One voter stated, “The movie wasn’t that great…The two have amazing on-screen chemistry but spent most of the movie apart.” Another voter expressed being “turned off” by their promotional appearances, describing them as “cosplaying” in an attempt to appear authentic.

Further criticism centered on the perceived impact of Grande and Erivo on the red carpet, with one voter claiming they “sucked the air out of any red carpet they were on – and no one wanted to go through that again.” A particularly pointed comment suggested the decision was, in part, an attempt to “protect Ariana from her anxiety – and Cynthia from having to intervene.”

The news has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans of both actresses and the Wicked franchise voicing their outrage. Some users criticized the voters’ reasoning as unprofessional, arguing that performance should be the sole basis for evaluation. Others questioned the influence of publicity and campaigning on the process.

What’s Next?

As the Academy Awards draw closer, the debate surrounding the nominations is likely to intensify. It is possible that the controversy surrounding Wicked: For Good will continue to fuel discussion and potentially influence voter sentiment. The final results in March will reveal whether the concerns raised by the anonymous voters ultimately shaped the outcome. It’s also possible that other films and performances will gain momentum in the final weeks of campaigning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What film received the most nominations this year?

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, received a record-breaking 16 nominations.

Did Wicked: For Good receive any Oscar nominations?

No, Wicked: For Good did not receive any nominations despite the first film receiving 10 nominations in 2025.

What reasons did Oscar voters give for the Wicked snub?

Voters cited concerns about the quality of the film compared to the first installment, the limited screen time shared by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and negative reactions to their promotional appearances.

What do you think about the influence of factors beyond artistic merit on awards show outcomes?