Oscar nomination season is upon us, and you know what that means: the internet is in full chaos mode, and everyone has suddenly become a certified film critic with very strong opinions.
The Academy dropped their list of nominees on Thursday (Jan 23), and one particular name that caused a major stir online was our girl Ariana Grande. The singer-turned-actress (we might as well call her that now) was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked. Alongside her were other talented actresses including Zoe Saldaña and Felicity Jones.
Now while some were popping confetti and celebrating her big moment, others weren’t exactly on board with the Academy’s choice. So, how does the internet feel about this controversial (or not-so-controversial) news? Here are some of the internet’s reactions to Ariana’s Oscar nomination:
Ariana’s Oscar Nom: Well-Deserved or Overhyped?
Most people would agree that Ari absolutely nailed it as Glinda, and was truly born to play the role. We were hooked, the kids were hooked, and even Ari was hooked to the point where she literally transformed into Glinda in real life (!!).
Following the Oscar nom announcement, Arianators have been hyping her up, pointing out how much effort she put into the role:
ariana put her whole life into that role and to see that she's being recognized for her hard work and TALENT deserves that oscar nomination (also the award) and much more pic.twitter.com/1IQ1lF8gli
— jorge (@aricheatcode) January 23, 2025
the way ariana took on this role was something that deserved to be recognized and it is. she put everything into it and if you think otherwise you’re lying to yourself. anyways! oscar nominee ariana grande-butera! pic.twitter.com/urqFRgNFRe
— jenna (@elenasliv) January 23, 2025
But not everyone is convinced (like I said, everyone’s suddenly a film critic now). Many people are questioning if Ariana Grande smashed it enough for an Oscar nomination. Was the role really Oscar-worthy?
maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I don’t get Ariana’s nomination at the oscars… like, she was good in wicked but definitely not Oscar worthy #Oscars2025
— ania (@poppywrilsen) January 23, 2025
Some are saying this nomination proves the Oscars are quite literally, all about popular, not about the aptitude (sorry, had to be done), and that this was the prime example.
an ariana grande oscar nomination just cheapened the whole institution in ways never seen before
— . (@buboniccbabe) January 23, 2025
Let me get this straight Ariana Grande gets a nom over Angelina Jolie or Saoirse Ronan. I liked Wicked, great movie but that performance is in no way Oscar worthy. Oscars are a sham. It’s popularity contest & nothing more.
— Uberdelenafan (@LambertCle22583) January 23, 2025
Others are even claiming Ari just copied Kristin Chenoweth’s portrayal of Glinda from the Broadway production, which doesn’t make her Oscar-worthy (but, like, isn’t that what makes Glinda Glinda?).
ariana grande’s performance in wicked is like when people try to pass off fake designer bags as real…it might look good from across the room but anyone with a discerning eye will clock it for what it is—cheap imitation
— goodfella (@subsahaaron) January 23, 2025
Of course, Ariana’s fans aren’t here for the shade. They’ve been clapping back, saying the hate is pure jealousy. It’s not everyday someone snags an Oscar nom with their first major film role! Well, true that!
ariana’s first major acting role in almost 15 years and she’s oscar nominated? oh okay i see why y’all mad 😂✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/76sbVOuZDU
— adi (@buwygfiib) January 23, 2025
Did Ariana Steal Someone Else’s Spot?
Many are also feeling salty about Ariana’s nomination because they think it might’ve bumped other actresses—like Margaret Qualley—off the list.
Margaret absolutely slayed her role as Sue in The Substance and was a fan-favorite for an Oscar nomination. Naturally, her absence from the list became one of the hottest topics online, and Ariana took the brunt of it.
ariana grande over margaret qualley? academy is joke.pic.twitter.com/Hl4h7RjlsG
— gloria (@waldorfsnewyork) January 23, 2025
ariana grande over margaret qualley? pic.twitter.com/iGvfsANgTZ
— espresso nintendo (@americanwaldorf) January 23, 2025
Ariana Celebrates Her Nomination
Despite all the noise and hatred online, the singer and actress took to social media to share her gratitude after being nominated.
An emotional Ariana thanked everyone and posted an adorable throwback photo of herself dressed as Dorothy as a kid. “Sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I’m so proud of you, tiny,” she wrote.
Well, I guess we’ll all have to tune in to the Oscars on March 2nd to see if, despite all the drama, Ariana ends up holding a golden statue that, you know, matches the yellow brick road.
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