- Primary Subject: The Academy Award snubs and critical reception of Wicked: For Good
- Key Update: Despite the first film's massive success, the sequel Wicked: For Good failed to secure any nominations at the 98th Academy Awards.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 23, 2026
- Quick Answer: Wicked: For Good was snubbed due to mixed reviews, stiff competition, lower box office returns, and the first film already received achievement.
After the first film’s massive success (earning ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and winning for Costume and Production Design), expectations for Wicked: For Good were high. However, the film was met with a surprising shut-out at the 98th Academy Awards. Fans were left stunned on announcement morning when it failed to secure a single nod.
Let’s dive into the possible reasons why the Academy chose to pass on the sequel this year.
Why Wicked: For Good Did Not Receive Any Oscar Nominations
The exclusion of Wicked: For Good from the 98th Academy Awards nominations list has left many fans wondering how a franchise could go from ten nominations for its first installment to zero for its conclusion. Several factors explain why the Academy turned its back on the Land of Oz this time around.
The most immediate hurdle was the film’s reception. While the sequel generally garnered positive reviews, the critical consensus was notably more fractured than that of the first movie. Many critics argued that the sequel felt narratively thinner, struggling with specific creative choices adapted from the Broadway second act that didn’t translate as seamlessly to the screen.
This cooling critical passion was mirrored at the box office. Without the "event" status of the first film, the sequel’s lower commercial returns suggested that the initial novelty had begun to wear off.
The film also fell victim to a particularly top-heavy awards year. The competition in the craft categories, where the first film excelled, was exceptionally fierce, with several prestige films capturing the hearts of voters. In a weaker year, the sequel’s technical prowess might have secured it a few nods. However, against a slate of more beloved and critically acclaimed contenders, there was simply no room for a film perceived as a step down from its predecessor.
Because both installments were filmed back-to-back with the same cast and crew, many voters may have likely felt they had already properly honored the achievement in the first film. This sense of repetition fatigue often plagues sequels that offer more of the same. Having already celebrated the world-building and performances of the first film, the Academy seemed less inclined to hand out repeat honors for a project that felt like a continuation rather than a revelation.
Finally, the sheer cultural phenomenon appeared to break before the voting period. Released two months before the nominations, For Good lacked the enduring cultural legs of the first film. As the conversation shifted toward fresher winter releases, Wicked lost its grip on the zeitgeist. For the Academy, the film became a secondary priority compared to newer titles that were dominating the social and critical conversation during the crucial voting window.
Which Films Got Nominated at the 98th Academy Awards?
The Best Picture nominees in the 98th Academy Awards are composed of films such as Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams.
Sinners topped the list as it received a record-breaking number of 16 nominations, the most of any film in Oscar history. It was followed by One Battle After Another, which received 13 nominations.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15 and will air live on ABC and Hulu. For a second time, it will be hosted by Conan O'Brien.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!