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 star was nominated for Best Female Actor in a Film, Musical or Comedy, for her leading role as Elphaba in the cinematic adaptation of Wicked: For Good.
A Historic Nomination and a Prior Commitment
Erivo's nomination marked a significant milestone, as it made her the first Black woman to be nominated twice in the lead female actor in a film (musical or comedy) category. However, fans expecting to see her on the red carpet were disappointed. The reason for her absence was a professional commitment that took precedence: intensive rehearsals for a forthcoming one-woman Dracula production, which is scheduled to open on London's prestigious West End.
This dedication to her stage craft meant the actor had to forgo the glitz of the Hollywood awards season. The ceremony took place on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Awards Recognition and Notable Snubs
While Wicked: For Good garnered an impressive five Golden Globe nominations, the film ultimately did not secure any wins. Furthermore, the awards season presented a mixed picture for the production's key talents. Following the Globes, Erivo herself did not receive a nomination for the upcoming Actor Awards.
In another blow, the film's director, John M. Chu, was absent from the list of nominees for the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards. This series of snubs did not go unnoticed by those close to the project.
Co-Star Support in the Face of Oversight
Erivo's co-star, pop icon and actor Ariana Grande, publicly came to the defence of both Erivo and director Chu. Grande asserted that their artistic contributions to Wicked: For Good were undeniable and of exceptional quality, implying that the oversight by certain awards bodies was a significant misstep.
This public support highlights the camaraderie between the leads and underscores the perceived gap between the film's creative achievements and its recognition in the competitive awards landscape. For Erivo, the immediate future lies not in awards circuits, but in the demanding and transformative work of bringing a classic Gothic monster to life on a London stage.
