Cynthia Erivo Makes History with Golden Globe Nominations

Cynthia Erivo has made headlines with her historic nominations at the upcoming Golden Globes. On Monday morning, the star of Wicked: For Good received news of her recognition while in rehearsals for Kip Williams’ Dracula in London’s West End. Erivo is now the first actress to be nominated consecutively for her role as Elphaba, alongside co-star Ariana Grande, who portrays Glinda.

In a significant achievement, Erivo has also become the first Black woman to receive two nominations in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category. Reflecting on her groundbreaking nominations, she expressed her hopes for future representation, stating, “Being the first is always wonderful, but let’s make sure I’m not the last.”

Wicked: For Good Achieves Five Nominations

The nominations for Wicked: For Good total five, including Best Original Song for Stephen Schwartz’s “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble.” The film’s success at the Golden Globes highlights its impact on audiences and the entertainment industry.

In an interview with Deadline, Erivo shared her thoughts on the transformative journey of portraying Elphaba. She described the experience as a privilege that exceeds expectations. “We knew it would be special on the set, but we couldn’t have imagined the response of what came after,” she noted.

Erivo emphasized the importance of representation in her nomination, urging the industry to recognize more Black women in similar categories. “Let’s make sure that more Black women are nominated in this category,” she reiterated.

Exploring the Significance of “No Good Deed”

One of the standout moments in Wicked: For Good is Erivo’s performance of “No Good Deed.” She described the song as a culmination of her experiences across both films, encapsulating an emotional arc while presenting technical challenges. “It scared the sh*t out of me because it was such a big undertaking,” she admitted, highlighting the complexity of performing the number solo while navigating stunt work and emotional depth.

Erivo recounted her initial thoughts upon receiving the song, stating, “I thought it was beautiful, but I felt like it wasn’t connected as much to Elphaba.” After collaborating with Schwartz to refine it, she found a deeper connection to the character’s journey, emphasizing themes of belonging and emotional resonance.

The powerful connection audiences have made with “No Good Deed” has been evident, with Erivo expressing astonishment at the enthusiastic responses from viewers. “To hear people cheer in the theater once the scene was done was really mind-blowing,” she said.

As the entertainment world anticipates the 83rd annual Golden Globes, scheduled to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on January 11, 2026, Erivo’s achievements continue to inspire and resonate. With her historic nominations, she not only celebrates her own milestones but also advocates for a more inclusive future in the arts.