Michelle Yeoh Voices Disappointment Over Wicked Sequel's Oscar Exclusion
Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh has expressed profound shock and disappointment following the complete omission of the film Wicked: For Good from this year's Oscar nominations. The 63-year-old star, who portrayed Madame Morrible in the musical sequel, revealed her reaction in a candid interview with Variety, stating she was 'truly, truly very disappointed' by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision.
From High Hopes to Total Snub
The snub is particularly striking given that the original 2024 Wicked film garnered an impressive ten Academy Award nominations. Last year, that production secured two technical Oscars for best costume design, awarded to Paul Tazewell, and best production design, won by Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales. Yeoh speculated that the sequel's exclusion might stem from a perception that 'you already got so much with the first one, let other people have a chance.' However, she firmly countered this notion, emphasising the sequel's artistic merits.
'It's such a beautiful, well-made movie,' Yeoh asserted. 'Paul for costume design, hair and makeup. If you compare it with contenders this year it should be there. For director Jon Chu, for cinematographer Alice Brooks, for the set design.' She highlighted that the sequel is not a mere replica but a more elaborate production with numerous new destinations, warranting recognition in its own right.
Critical and Commercial Performance
The critical reception for Wicked: For Good has been notably mixed compared to its predecessor. On Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel achieved a 66 percent approval rating from 350 reviews, whereas the original film earned a 'certified fresh' 88 percent rating. Commercially, the final chapter of Jon M. Chu's adaptation, which had a $150 million budget, grossed $527.8 million globally. This figure represents a significant $231 million decrease from the first film's box office earnings.
Furthermore, the Universal Pictures release failed to secure wins at major awards ceremonies earlier this year. It lost all seven of its nominations at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards on January 4 and all four nominations at the Golden Globe Awards on January 11. Despite the Oscar disappointment, select cast and crew members remain in contention for honours at upcoming events including the 79th British Academy Film Awards, the 32nd Actor Awards, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, and the 57th NAACP Image Awards.
Yeoh's Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Yeoh also addressed personal criticisms regarding her singing performance in the film. She portrayed the Wonderful Wizard of Oz's press secretary, performing songs like Every Day More Wicked and Thank Goodness/I Couldn't Be Happier, despite having limited singing range. The actress recalled warning director Jon Chu about her vocal abilities, noting the presence of powerhouse singers Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the cast.
'I was like, "Jon, this Madame Morrible sings, right? And I don't sing." That's the thing about taking risks,' Yeoh explained. 'And Jon, who's so charming, was like, "Ah, it's a piece of cake!"' To meet the challenge, she worked with an amazing voice coach and embraced learning a new skill, overcoming her initial terror of singing due to her naturally husky, low voice.
Future Endeavours and Industry Reflections
Looking ahead, Yeoh has several significant projects and honours on the horizon. Next Wednesday, Jon Chu and acclaimed director Ang Lee will co-host her induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an event she described as 'a dream come true.' She expressed deep gratitude for their support, referring to Lee as family after nearly 30 years of friendship and likening Chu to an adopted son since their collaboration on Crazy Rich Asians.
Audiences can next see Yeoh in the sci-fi series Blade Runner 2099, where she plays dying replicant Olwen. The six-episode series, created by Silka Luisa, is set to premiere later this year on Amazon Prime Video. Reflecting on her career and the industry's tendencies, Yeoh issued a powerful statement against ageism and typecasting.
'Let's not let the industry define us as women or put us in a box and say, "Oh, well, because now you're this age, you should only play a grandmother,"' the Golden Globe winner declared. 'I'm like, "Hell no! I will kick a** because I want to, and I still can."' Her remarks underscore a resilient spirit amidst the disappointment of the Oscar snub, highlighting her ongoing commitment to challenging roles and artistic growth in the entertainment landscape.
