The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 98th Oscars on January 22, 2026, and the biggest surprise was the total absence of Wicked: For Good. Despite the first installment of director Jon M. Chu’s musical epic earning multiple nominations the previous year, this high-stakes conclusion received zero recognition. Universal Pictures had heavily campaigned the film across major categories, making the shutout one of the most significant snubs in recent history.

Lead stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were both left out of the acting categories, a move Vulture described as a shocking snub for the celebrated duo. Even the technical achievements that defined the look of Oz failed to resonate with voters this time. Production designer Nathan Crowley and costume designer Paul Tazewell, who were previous Academy favorites for their work on the franchise, did not receive repeat nominations for the sequel.

According to Forbes, the exclusion of the sequel marks a "complete collapse" and a "baffling" loss of awards momentum for a massive commercial hit between installments. While Vulture reported that the 2026 field featured other musicals like Sinners and K-Pop Demon Hunters, the complete lack of love for Wicked: For Good has sparked intense debate among industry insiders. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March, but the citizens of Oz will not be in attendance as nominees.