Michelle Yeoh ‘In Shock’ Over Wicked: For Good Oscar Snub

The Oscar nominations always bring their share of surprises, but few could have predicted a complete shutout for one of the year’s most anticipated sequels. Wicked: For Good, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed musical phenomenon, received zero nominations from the Academy, a decision that has left many in the industry scratching their heads.

Michelle Yeoh Reacts To Oscar Snub

Among the most surprised is acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh. The Oscar winner, who plays Madame Morrible in the film, recently spoke out about her disbelief, perfectly capturing the shock felt by the cast, crew, and fans. In a world where sequels often face an uphill battle for awards recognition, the complete dismissal of Wicked: For Good has sparked a conversation about how the Academy values follow-up films.

“I Am in Shock!”

Michelle Yeoh has never been one to mince words, and her reaction to the snub was characteristically candid. Speaking with Variety, Yeoh expressed her utter disbelief. “I’m not surprised. I am in shock! I really am,” she stated.

Her surprise stems from the high level of artistry and craftsmanship that went into the sequel. The first Wicked film was an awards darling, earning a staggering 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande. It ultimately took home two statues for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

Yeoh believes the sequel was just as deserving of recognition, if not more so. “It’s such a beautiful, well-made movie,” she said. She theorized that the film might have fallen victim to sequel bias, where voters feel a franchise has already received its share of accolades. “I think sometimes the problem is that people think, ‘Oh, you already got so much with the first one, let other people have a chance,'” Yeoh explained.

A Film That Stood on Its Own

For Yeoh and the creative team, Wicked: For Good was not just a rehash of its predecessor. It was an expansion of the world of Oz, bringing new depth, stunning visuals, and elaborate designs to the screen. She argues that the film’s technical and artistic achievements should have been judged on their own merits.

“It’s not the replica of the first one,” Yeoh insisted. “It’s more elaborate and there are many more new destinations in Wicked: For Good. So I was truly, truly very disappointed.” She specifically pointed to several categories where she felt the film was a clear contender, including Paul Tazewell’s costume design, the hair and makeup, Alice Brooks’ cinematography, and the overall set design.

This sentiment gets to the heart of the “sequel problem” at the Oscars. While films like The Godfather Part II and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King have famously won Best Picture, it is exceedingly rare. More often, sequels are overlooked, especially in the major categories, unless they are seen as a monumental achievement that surpasses the original.

Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone

Yeoh’s disappointment is also deeply personal. Her role as Madame Morrible required her to step far outside her comfort zone by singing in a major musical. She admitted to being “terrified” of the prospect, telling director Jon M. Chu, “I don’t sing.”

However, she embraced the challenge, working with a voice coach to prepare for the role. This commitment to the craft is what makes the awards shutout feel particularly harsh. When artists pour so much of themselves into a project, the lack of recognition can feel like a dismissal of their hard work and risk-taking. Yeoh’s passionate defense of the film is not just about her own performance but about the collective effort of a team she clearly respects.