In a surprising turn of events, acclaimed actor and singer Cynthia Erivo was notably absent from the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, despite receiving a prestigious nomination. The reason for her no-show was a prior professional commitment that took precedence over the glitzy awards night.
A Historic Nomination Overshadowed by Prior Commitments
Erivo was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Female Actor in a Film, Musical or Comedy for her starring role as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good. This nomination was particularly significant as it marked a historic achievement: Erivo became the first Black woman to be nominated twice in this specific leading actress category.
However, fans did not see her walk the red carpet on the night of Monday, 12 January 2026. Instead, Erivo was deep in rehearsals in London. She was preparing for the opening of a demanding one-woman production of Dracula on the city's famed West End stage. Her dedication to the theatre production meant the Globes ceremony had to take a back seat.
Snubs and Solidarity from Co-Star Ariana Grande
While Wicked: For Good secured an impressive five Golden Globe nominations, it ultimately left the event without any wins. The film's recognition did not extend to other major award bodies either. Notably, Erivo did not receive a nomination for the upcoming Actor Awards, and the film's director, John M. Chu, was absent from the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards shortlist.
In response to these snubs, Erivo's co-star Ariana Grande publicly came to the defence of both the actor and the director. Grande asserted that their creative contributions to the cinematic adaptation were undeniable and worthy of recognition, highlighting a sense of solidarity within the film's cast.
The Demands of a Dual Career
Erivo's decision underscores the intense scheduling conflicts faced by top-tier performers juggling multiple high-profile projects. Choosing stage rehearsals over a potential award win demonstrates a profound commitment to her craft and to live theatre audiences. Her upcoming solo performance in Dracula is one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the London season, requiring immense focus and preparation.
This episode highlights the often-unseen choices artists must make, balancing cinematic acclaim with theatrical passion. While the Golden Globes celebrate film and television, for Erivo, the immediate call of the West End stage was stronger.
