Fans of pop superstar Ariana Grande have erupted in outrage after she was beaten to a major film award at the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night. Grande, nominated for her role as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, lost out to veteran actress Amy Madigan in a surprise result that has dominated headlines.
Shock Win for Horror Star
The award for Best Supporting Actress was presented at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar, marking the official start of the 2026 awards season. Grande, receiving her second consecutive nomination for the final chapter of Jon M. Chu's blockbuster adaptation, was considered a strong contender. However, the honour went to Amy Madigan, 75, for her performance as the antagonistic Aunt Gladys in the R-rated horror film Weapons.
Madigan triumphed over a competitive field that included, alongside Grande, Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another). Cameras captured Grande cheering graciously as the shocked winner made her way to the stage.
Fan Fury on Social Media
Grande's devoted fanbase, however, was less composed. They swiftly took to social media platforms to declare their idol had been 'robbed' of the trophy. One enraged supporter echoed Kanye West's infamous 2009 VMA interruption, writing: 'AMY MADIGAN IMA LET YOU FINISH BUT ARIANA GRANDE HAD THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS PERFORMANCE!!!'
Other comments flooded in, with one user questioning, 'really? was that really the best supporting role of the year?' Another pleaded for justice at the upcoming Golden Globes, tweeting: 'this award belongs to ARI!!!!' and begging the ceremony to 'come through for my good witch.'
A Humble Winner and a Packed Season
Madigan herself appeared genuinely stunned by the victory, despite the cult popularity of her character. 'I really wasn't expecting all of this,' she told the audience. 'I thought people would like the movie and I thought people would dig Gladys, but you love Gladys. It is crazy.' She went on to thank Warner Bros., the cast and crew, and the fans who have embraced the unconventional 'sex icon' status of Aunt Gladys.
The ceremony, hosted for a fourth year by Chelsea Handler, is seen as a key bellwether for the Oscars. This year's film frontrunner was Ryan Coogler's Sinners, which scored a staggering 17 nominations. Other major winners included One Battle After Another for Best Picture, Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) for Best Actor, and Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) for Best Actress.
On the television side, The Pitt won Best Drama Series, while The Studio took Best Comedy Series. The Golden Globe Awards, the next major event in the season, are scheduled to air on January 11.
