Starring in the Wicked films has not only transformed Cynthia Erivo’s career — it has also placed her firmly in the history books.

Erivo recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for her portrayal of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked: For Good. With this recognition, she becomes the first Black woman to receive two nominations in this category, following her nomination last year for the first Wicked installment.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Erivo described the honor as “a beautiful, beautiful surprise,” reflecting on the extraordinary journey that began with the first film.

“From the very start of the first movie to this moment, it’s been a whirlwind,” she said. “I honestly don’t know that any experience is comparable. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of something quite like this.”

She emphasized how meaningful the repeat nomination feels, not just on a personal level but as a celebration of the entire creative team. “To be nominated twice for the same project is incredibly special. Everyone involved has done such beautiful work, and I feel deeply grateful to be part of it.”

This marks Erivo’s fifth Golden Globe nomination overall, underscoring her remarkable versatility across film, television and music. In 2020, she received two nominations for her role as abolitionist Harriet Tubman in Harriet, including one for the original song “Stand Up.” Two years later, she earned another nod for portraying soul legend Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha.

This year, Erivo faces stiff competition in the Musical or Comedy category, with fellow nominees including Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Amanda Seyfried and Emma Stone. Regardless of the outcome, the nomination further cements her standing as one of the most accomplished performers of her generation.

Adding to the film’s recognition, Erivo’s Wicked: For Good co-star Ariana Grande also received her second Golden Globe nomination, this time for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, for her portrayal of Glinda. While fans celebrated the acting nods, many were surprised that the film did not secure a nomination for Best Picture, Musical or Comedy, and that director Jon M. Chu was notably absent from the list.

Beyond awards season, Erivo shows no signs of slowing down. She is preparing to return to the London stage in an ambitious one-woman production of Dracula, in which she will portray an astonishing 23 different characters. There is also growing buzz that she may reprise her provocative and widely discussed turn as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar, a role she performed earlier this year in Los Angeles alongside Adam Lambert.

Adapted from the beloved Broadway musical, the two Wicked films have received widespread critical and commercial acclaim. Their blockbuster success has even sparked conversations about the future of the franchise. Writer Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz have confirmed discussions with Universal Pictures regarding potential expansions, though no official plans have yet been announced.

In her interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Erivo reflected on what it means to finally share the project fully with audiences. “It feels like it’s time to let it go, to give it to the watchers, to the audience,” she said — while subtly suggesting that her journey with Elphaba may not be over just yet.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience,” Erivo added. “The most wonderful part is knowing that I’ll always be connected to every single person who was part of this journey. It doesn’t feel like a goodbye — more like a ‘see you later.’”