Universal’s “Wicked” has finally been unveiled to members of the movie press, who are praising Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The film’s leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are also earning critical acclaim across the board as the musical launches them into Oscar season as acting contenders.

Variety Katcy Stephen praised the film ‘Wicked’ as a ‘masterpiece’, adding: ‘Ariana Grande makes Glinda sparkle: she milks every moment with enthusiasm, humor and hair flips. Jon M. Chu added so much new life to the story that I can see why it had to be in two parts! Definitely worth the twenty year wait.”

Journalist Simon Thompson was impressed by the spectacle of the film, calling it an “absolutely stunning vision. Leaders Erivo and Grande knock it out of the park. While this may not convert many anti-musical folks, genre fans and die-hard Ozians (Wickhards?) will love this.”

“Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande have given us a musical masterpiece that is much more than we could ever expect,” Variety Jazz Tangcay wrote. “Ariana & Cynthia will blow you away. The production design and costumes are a visual spectacle.”

Let me say it: I am a “Wicked” fanatic. I saw the original Broadway production starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their iconic roles as the misunderstood Elphaba and the effortlessly popular Glinda. It’s hard to forget the magic they conjured on stage, which is why I approached “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation with cautious optimism. But sixty seconds into the opening track, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” my skepticism faded.

As Glinda, Ariana Grande brings charm and humor to a character known for her bubbly looks and hidden depth. The 31-year-old pop star has mastered every one of Glinda’s signature songs, including a stunning rendition of “Popular.” But it’s her talent for comedic timing that makes her so memorable. Her performance of several one-liners and zingers is one of the highlights of the film, potentially earning her an Oscar nomination for the first time in the Best Supporting Actress category. It wouldn’t be the first time a pop star has successfully crossed over to the Dolby Theater: Cher won best actress for “Moonstruck” a few years after her first nomination in “Silkwood,” proving that pop stars can shine just about anywhere as them in the right role. This role is the one Grande was born to play.

The supporting actress category has long been a welcoming home for musical performances. From Meryl Streep’s nomination in “Into the Woods” to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ win in “Chicago,” the Academy has often celebrated actresses who can show off their singing chops. However, Grande will face competition this year from a number of other multi-hyphenates aiming for Oscars, including Selena Gomez for her Spanish-language musical role in “Emilia Pérez” and Jennifer Lopez in the sports biopic “Unstoppable.” Unfortunately, Lady Gaga’s hopes for an award for ‘Joker 2’ seem to be dropping amid the film’s negative reviews and poor box office numbers.

Joining Grande is Cynthia Erivo, a powerhouse actress with a Tony Award for “The Color Purple” and an Oscar nomination for playing Harriet Tubman in “Harriet.” Here Erivo takes on Elphaba, the ‘evil’ witch whose misunderstood nature underlines the desire to be accepted by those around her. Erivo brings her own inflections and depth to the role, portraying a character who, despite her undeniable powers, feels forever out of place in Oz. Erivo’s chances in the leading actress category could be much tougher than her co-star’s due to the competitive landscape. While musical performances can be Oscar gold (Jennifer Hudson’s win for “Dreamgirls” is a prime example), voters don’t always embrace the genre, and Erivo’s fate may depend on the overall momentum of “Wicked.”

But can “Wicked Part One” secure a spot among the year’s top movie nominees?

Its path lies in the craft categories, as technical nominations can boost a film’s chances for top picture recognition. While not a surefire strategy, nominations for directing, acting and screenplay can propel a musical into the top category. The screenplay category has traditionally been difficult for musicals; only one has won in the adapted category – 1958’s “Gigi” – and only four have been nominated.

“Wicked’s” production team brings a wealth of Oscar pedigree to the table. Six-time nominee Nathan Crowley, known for Christopher Nolan films like ‘The Prestige’, ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Interstellar’, adopts clean sets and creates an Oz that feels both familiar and reimagined. Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell (“West Side Story”) contributes to the film’s visual grandeur. Meanwhile, the makeup and hair styling teams shine, as Elphaba’s vibrant green skin and Glinda’s signature blonde curls hit the big screen.

Sound and visual effects categories could also work in “Wicked”’s favor. Musicals are often successful in sound (see previous winners like ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘Dreamgirls’) and the vast landscapes of ‘Wicked’ – complete with flying monkeys and busy train scenes – demonstrate the kind of visual spectacle that the Academy sometimes rewards.

Although “Wicked Part One” does not contain an original song, sources indicate that Part Two, due for release in 2025, will introduce many original compositions. With a capable team and two powerful leaders, ‘Wicked’ is poised to defy Oscar’s gravity if the campaign aims high enough.

Check out the first reactions to “Wicked” in the posts below.