Wicked” Tops SAG Awards Nominations as Many Big Names Are Snubbed

It’s official Wicked is on fire, and no, we’re not talking about the wildfires sweeping across Southern California (though those did force SAG to announce nominations via press release).

On Wednesday, the highly anticipated adaptation of the smash-hit musical Wicked soared to the top of the 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations list, grabbing a leading five nods, including the coveted Best Ensemble award. The film also bagged individual nominations for its glittering stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey. Oh, and let’s not forget the cherry on top: a nomination for Best Stunt Ensemble.

The Morning That Wasn’t Exactly Live

In true dramatic fashion (worthy of Wicked itself), SAG had to scrap plans for a live announcement on Wednesday morning due to the wildfires raging in Los Angeles. Instead, nominations dropped via a less-glamorous press release. Let’s face it, though—does anyone really miss the awkward teleprompter moments? The decision was pragmatic, but it couldn’t take the shine off Wicked’s moment in the spotlight.

Why Wicked’s Big Morning Matters

Wicked didn’t just top the nominations; it also solidified its status as an Oscars frontrunner. SAG Awards have long been considered a crystal ball for the Academy Awards. Historically, strong showings at SAG translate to gold statues at the Oscars. With its stellar ensemble and critical acclaim, Wicked is defying gravity (you knew that pun was coming) on its way to major awards-season success.

Even the National Board of Review Awards celebrated Wicked on Tuesday night in New York. Let’s just say, it’s been a pretty good 48 hours for this film.

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Other Best Ensemble Nominees

Joining Wicked in the Best Ensemble category are:

• Anora: A deeply emotional family drama that’s been quietly tugging at heartstrings.
• Conclave: Ralph Fiennes delivers yet another divine performance (literally, as this one’s about Vatican politics).
• Emilia Pérez: A quirky story with its own fanbase of die-hard cinephiles.
• A Complete Unknown: The Bob Dylan-inspired drama featuring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro.

Honestly, it feels like A Complete Unknown is the dark horse here, racking up four nominations total. But can it dethrone Wicked? Let’s not bet our broomsticks just yet.

A Strong Showing for Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet continued his reign as Hollywood’s resident heartthrob-slash-critical darling with a Best Male Actor nomination for his role in A Complete Unknown. The guy doesn’t just act—he exists on a higher artistic plane. (Is there a SAG category for Best Jawline?) Alongside him, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Daniel Craig (Queer), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) round out the Best Male Actor nominees.

Big Names, Big Snubs

Speaking of being “complete unknowns,” some major stars were conspicuously absent from the nominations list. Hollywood heavyweights who’d been considered shoo-ins for SAG recognition were left dusting off their “it’s just an honor to be considered” speeches. (Looking at you, Leo and Margot.) It seems this year, the SAG voters were all about shaking things up and rewarding fresh faces—or, in Wicked’s case, faces painted green.

The Stunt Ensemble Nod: Wicked Brings the Drama

One of the more surprising nominations for Wicked was its recognition in the Stunt Ensemble category. Sure, Wicked might not scream “action movie,” but let’s give credit where it’s due—flying broomsticks, collapsing houses, and dramatic high notes all take a toll. Those stunts are no joke. Somewhere, a flying monkey is doing a victory lap.

A Night to Remember?

With Wicked leading the pack and A Complete Unknown hot on its heels, the SAG Awards are shaping up to be a showdown between two very different films: one a larger-than-life spectacle, the other an introspective drama. And let’s not forget the underdogs (Emilia Pérez, we see you!).

One thing’s for sure: awards season is officially here, and the drama off-screen might just rival the drama on-screen. Get your popcorn ready, folks.

Conclusion

Wicked has enchanted its way to the top of the SAG Awards nominations, proving that sometimes, green really is the color of success. While some big names were shockingly left out, this year’s nominations reflect an industry willing to take risks and celebrate new talent. Whether you’re rooting for Wicked, A Complete Unknown, or one of the other contenders, one thing’s certain—the SAG Awards are bound to be a spectacle as magical as Glinda’s bubble.