Cynthia Erivo is defying gravity with her Oscars nomination.
The Academy unveiled its 2025 nominees on Thursday (Jan. 23), with Erivo snagging a nod in the best actress in a leading role category for her portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked. To celebrate, the star took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the film, along with a heartfelt caption expressing her gratitude for the honor. “Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude. I am grateful, grateful to @theacademy, grateful to be a part of something that makes people feel seen, grateful to be a cog in the wheel of a piece that makes us believe in magic, grateful to have experienced a dream come true, and deeply deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition,” she wrote.
Erivo continued, “I often get asked what I would say to my younger self. Well today there’s nothing to be said. She is smiling, beaming, glowing from ear to ear. That speaks volumes.”
She went on to congratulate her co-star Ariana Grande, who received her first-ever nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Glinda. “To my sister, @arianagrande, what a joy it is to be here with you watching as you ascend and amaze and become the actress you were meant to be. Congratulations first time nominee, I’m so so proud of you!! There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you.”
Erivo also thanked Chu, who she deemed, “our fearless leader whose kindness provided us with the room to play,” adding, “you are deserving of all good things and I’m lucky to call you my brother.”
See her full post here. The actress was previously nominated for best actress in 2020 for her role in Harriet, as well as best original song for the film’s “Stand Up.”
Erivo is up against Emilia Pérez‘s Karla Sofía Gascón, Anora‘s Mikey Madison, The Substance‘s Demi Moore and I’m Still Here‘s Fernanda Torres. Earning 10 nods total this year, Wicked ties with The Brutalist for second-most nominated project at the 2025 Oscars. Only Emilia Pérez has more, scoring 13 total.
