Cynthia Erivo seemingly misses 2026 Critics Choice Awards after nomination snub

Drama Unfolds as Awards Season Begins

Written by

, News and Features Writer

January 5, 2026

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards kicked off at 7 pm ET, but a notable star was absent. Cynthia Erivo, seemingly missed the awards show after her nomination snub sent shockwaves through the Wicked fandom.

Cynthia Erivo’s Absence

The Wicked: For Good star did not comment on her lack of attendance at the show. However, she did show support for the film, which is nominated for seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Casting and Ensemble, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Hair and Makeup, and Best Song for “The Girl in the Bubble.” Cynthia shared clips with her 3.8 million Instagram followers shortly before the ceremony began.

Last Year’s Awards Season

This time last year, Cynthia was the belle of awards season. The 38-year-old actress was nominated at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, as well as at the Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globes for the first installment of the musical films.

Critics’ Response

While Cynthia’s portrayal of Elphaba Thropp in Wicked was universally lauded, she has yet to receive as much consensus love for her reprisal in Wicked: For Good. The Best Actress race is exceptionally crowded this year, with critics favoring performances in smaller prestige dramas over franchise sequels.

Academy Awards Nominations

Nominations for the Academy Awards won’t be announced until Thursday, January 22. However, Cynthia was snubbed for the Critics Choice Awards, which is considered one of the industry’s most accurate predictors for Oscar nominations and wins.

Ariana Grande’s Nomination

Although Cynthia and the Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu were snubbed, her co-star, Ariana Grande, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch. She attended the award show in an ethereal off-white Dior gown and debuted a new auburn hair color styled in a delicate updo.

Fans’ Reaction

Fans were disappointed by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) leaving Cynthia’s name off the nominee list, especially considering she performed her own stunts and sang live on set. One fan wrote on X: “It’s hard to understand how a performance as powerful as Cynthia Erivo’s was left out of the Critics Choice Awards nominations.” Another fan simply wrote about the decision: “absolutely insane.”

Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good, the sequel to Wicked, concludes the story about Cynthia’s Elphaba fighting against the evil Wizard administration. Critics have noted that this installment was darker and heavier, shifting the focus toward Elphaba’s political isolation.

For more information, visit the official Critics Choice Awards website.