Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has officially made Golden Globes history. Announced yesterday, the 2026 nominations crowned Erivo as the first Black woman to earn two nominations in the lead actress (comedy or musical) category, a milestone resonating deeply across LGBTQ and Black entertainment communities. Her new nod for Wicked: For Good follows last year’s nomination for the franchise’s first installment, with voters once again recognizing the power of her Elphaba.
With superb vocals and a performance that balances the history of Oz but with her own take on it, Erivo is seen as a major contender this year. She faces a stacked lineup: Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Amanda Seyfried, and Emma Stone. Historically, only 12 Black women had been nominated in this category, and just one, Angela Bassett in 1994, has won. Last year marked the first time more than one Black woman appeared in the race, when Erivo was nominated alongside Zendaya. Wicked: For Good earned five nominations total, including Ariana Grande for Best Supporting Actress and two song nods: “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl In The Bubble.”
The film also competes for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement after a record-shattering $226 million global opening. Winners will be revealed January 11 at the 83rd Golden Globes, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.
