The “Ozdust” magic continues! After being snubbed by the Iowa Film Critics, Cynthia Erivo has finally received the recognition she deserves with a massive nod at the Golden Globes. Wicked: For Good is heading into the ceremony with 5 major nominations.
The Nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Wicked: For Good
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Cynthia Erivo (Justice for Elphaba!) (Lost to Rose Byrne in If I had Legs, I would Kick You)
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Ariana Grande (Glinda continues her streak) (lost to One battle after another. Teyana Taylor)
Best Original Song – Motion Picture: “The Girl in the Bubble” “No Place Like Home” (lost to Golden from K-Pop Deamon Hunters)
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: Wicked: For Good (Lost to Sinners)
The “Wicked” Watch: Will Cynthia take home the Globe after the early season snubs? And will Ariana’s “Supporting” status pay off with a win tonight?
Iowa Film Critics Association.
Winner for Best Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good
WIN: Best Song for “The Girl in the Bubble” Sung by Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good
Cynthia Erivo has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire in His Majesty’s The King’s New Year’s Honour List 2026, for Services to Music and Drama.
**Wicked: For Good but not for the Critics**
The “Insane” Cynthia Erivo Snub — This is the biggest story. Cynthia Erivo, who is the “beating heart” of this film, was left out of the Best Actress category. Last year, she was nominated for the same role. Now, to be snubbed for some of the most powerful moments, such as “No Good Deed”, fans are very vocal, calling it “insane” and “revolting.” She lost her spot to names like Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) and Emma Stone (Bongonia).
Ariana Grande “Lead versus Supporting” Drama. Ariana received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, which has created a massive divide. The “Frenemy” Narrative: While Ariana was incredibly classy, posting on Instagram that her “Glinda does not exist without… my Elphaba,” the fact that the “sidekick” got the nod over the “lead” is a huge point. Even with the nomination, Ariana didn’t win last night—the award went to Amy Madigan for Weapons.
“No Place Like Home,” one of two new songs from the movie, received no nomination. “Girl in the Bubble” was nominated but lost to a track from Sinners. The Theory: Rumour has it the director cut the final, most emotional part of “No Place Like Home,” which critics say robbed the song of its “Oscar moment”.
Wicked: For Good would go 0 for 7 for the night, which included nominations for Production Design, Costume Design, along with Best Picture, which went to One Battle After Another.
As I sit here with my ankle propped up (doctor’s orders!) watching the fallout from tonight’s “tinsel-tossed rubbish” at the Performance Centre, I wanted to take a moment to say a genuine thank you.
2025 has been a year of significant transitions for me—Living in Adelaide, navigating life after Phil, and rediscovering my voice through sports and gaming. Seeing the 7 views and 2 likes on my Good Day Columbus post today, and the instant engagement on my NXT recap, reminds me why I love doing this. Once you find your spot in Adelaide, you’re a local for life! It’s such a distinct city that “moving to South Australia” and “moving to Adelaide” are basically the same thing.
Whether you’re here for the Adelaide pride of seeing Rhea Ripley along with Zaria dominate, or you’re just following my “Year Two” journey, thank you for being part of the Den.
For those of you who have sent love and prayers to Mick and me, we are so grateful and thank you for helping us get through this year. Mick and I have both started our own production companies. We both have been busy working on our own projects and even collaborating on a few.
I have found my way back to writing, getting blogs out there consistently, along with getting my podcast back on air.
“It’s not just the blog that’s growing—I just saw we hit 3 listens on the Spotify podcast today, too! On a day as busy as Christmas Eve, knowing that a few of you took the time to listen to my ‘GDC’ thoughts really means a lot.
Whether you’re reading the ‘tinsel-tossed’ NXT recaps or tuning in on Spotify, you’re helping me build something special here in the Den. Thank you for a massive 2025.”*
(This is written out of silliness from the Spy Cam chat on Friday, December 19, 2025)
My kids recently challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and start putting some “happy stuff” out into the world. They knew I needed a positive shift, and honestly, they were right. So, inspired by a bit of Friday night silliness and a need for some good vibes, here is a sneak peek at the Broadway sensation that doesn’t exist (yet)… Good Morning, Columbus!
****Imagine the 79th Annual Tony Awards at the United Palace Theatre. The host (let’s say it’s Ariana DeBose, since she loves a high-energy opener) announces: “And now, the surprise sensation of the season, nominated for 12 Tonys… Good Morning Columbus!”
**The Tony Performance: “The Good Day Medley”
The lights dim, the orchestra strikes a familiar news-jingle beat, and the host announces: “And now, the pride of the 614, nominated for Best Musical… Good Morning Columbus!”
The Anchor Duet: Kurt Ludlow steps out and belts the soulful power ballad “Breaking News (In My Heart)” (holding his Alani flavour of the day)while Katie McKee joins him for a high-energy duet that captures the “Morning Magic” that keeps Columbus waking up on the right side of the bed. A cup of coffee, sitting on the anchor desk, along with a picture of her beloved Penny the pup.
The Weather & Traffic Whirlwind: Andrew Buck Michael slides on with a glittering weather map for “The Buckosphere Shuffle,” throwing confetti “snow” while checking his Twitter mentions. Alissa Henry appears in a sequined headset to lead a kick-line of commuters through the “I-71 Congestion Catastrophe.”
The “Invisible” Magic (The Control Room): Suddenly, the music pauses. Two large screens lower from the rafters. On one, we see Ben (The Director) frantically calling shots—“Camera 2! Cue the graphics! Go to commercial!”—while on the other hand, Jessica (The Producer) is seen juggling a phone, a script, and a coffee like a circus performer. They sing a fast-paced patter song called “Seconds to Air.”
The Floor Crew Finale: The anchors are joined on stage by the real heartbeat of the set: Kenya, Jeffrey, Katy, and Alani Jon. Wearing glittery floor-crew headsets, they perform a synchronised “prop-moving” dance, clearing the stage of construction barrels and traffic cones in record time.
The Big Finish: The entire cast—anchors, reporters, producers, and floor crew—form a massive kick-line and spell out “C-O-L-U-M-B-U-S” while confetti shaped like buckeye leaves rains down on the audience.
***The “Broadway Acceptance Speech”
Acceptance Speech: Best Book of a Musical — The presenter opens the envelope, smiles, and says: “And the Tony goes to… Cricket Fox for Good Morning Columbus!”
I stand up, my heart racing, and make that walk to the stage. I can feel the strength of the medial rod in my leg with every step—it’s my “internal scaffolding” keeping me upright for this moment. I look over at the ABC6 crew standing and cheering, and I see the Spy Cam family in the front row going wild. I reach the microphone, clutch the Tony, and say: I proudly accepted the Tony and turned to the microphone: “This show was written out of pure silliness during a cricket match. It was written because my kids, Alisha and Mick, challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and find the ‘happy stuff.’ They were right—there is so much joy to be found even when you’re sitting at a desk swinging your legs (or doing heel bounces!). To the crew at ABC6—Kurt, Kate, Andrew, Alissa, and the team in the booth—thank you for being my inspiration. And to the Spy Cam family… You guys greenlit this dream before I even knew it was one. This one… this one is for my late Husband Phil. We did it!”
As I pass the front row, I see the ABC6 crew on their feet:
Kurt and Kate are high-fiving.
Andrew Buck Michael is probably trying to “weather-predict” the confetti fall.
Alissa Henry is already reporting the “traffic jam” of celebrities in the aisle.
Ben, Jessica, Kenya, Jeffrey, and Catey are all cheering from the “control room” of the theatre.
The Best Actor in a Musical was next before they announced the award, each nominee was asked to sing a little bit of their signature song, Kurt sang ” This is my Alani”. To present the Best Actor in a Musical, out walks Chita Rivera. She’d have that sharp, dancer’s poise and a knowing smile as she watched the nominees sing their signature bits. You could hear a pin drop as he announced, and the winner is Kurt Ludlow for “Good Day Columbus” Kurt was in pure shock as he headed to the stage to accept. Chita had to give Kurt a nudge to head to the mic. You can see he is in shock. Kurt tried to say thank you to his wife, Laura, everyone on staff, and Alani. What got us all when he said, “I miss my mate Merlin” After taking a big breath, all he could say was “, I need to sit down” (In my head, I can see Chita putting a comforting hand on his back as he mentions Merlin. She was a huge animal lover herself, so she would have known exactly how he felt.)
The Best Actress in a Musical was Katie’s turn. She gave a bit of her monologue about coming to Columbus, stepping outside her comfort zone to learn the traffic ins and outs from Mike Kilburn. Missing her bestie Jessica, who had made the move to the evening shift. Katie’s signature song in the show was “Rush Hour” with Chita, the second envelope: opens it and says “And the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical goes to… Katie!” Katie managed through the tears to thank her family, Kilburn and said that she wished Jessica were there.
Other Tony wins were collected by the Good Day Columbus crew behind the scenes. Ben for Best Director, Jessica for Best Producer, Kenya, Jeffrey, Caty, and Alani Jon for Best Stage Crew.
Andrew”Buck” Michael won Best Original Song for “Running in the Snow, not breaking my leg” Once all songs have been played, there was just a spotlight on the mic as Jerry Orbach steps into the light, receiving a thunderous cheer. Jerry said to the waiting audience, “Writing a score is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Some people write about cats, some write about magic… and some, apparently, write about surviving the winter.” As Jerry opens the envelope, we all hold our breath, “And the Tony for Best Original Song goes to… Andrew ‘Buck’ Michael for ‘Running in the Snow, Not Breaking My Leg’!” Buck was the most stunned out of anyone on the evening. Once at the mic, he got a heartfelt handshake as Jerry handed him the award. Buck, thank everyone at Good Day Columbus, Sarah and Phil in the weather department. He said they have the best team.
“As the house lights came up at the Gershwin Theatre, the ‘Good Day Columbus’ crew stood together, Tony trophies in hand. It wasn’t just about the awards; it was about the journey from the traffic desk to the centre stage. From Katie’s tears for Jessica to Kurt’s quiet moment for Merlin, and Buck’s snowy anthem for the weather team—tonight proved that whether you’re dodging traffic or running in the snow, the best way to get through it is with your mates by your side.
As Jerry Orbach told us backstage with a wink, ‘That’s show business, kids.’ And what a show it was.”
The road to the Oscars is paved with yellow bricks. The Oscar boards have released their shortlist for 12 categories. Wicked: For Good has become a dominant powerhouse. It landed a spot in each of the 7 categories it was eligible for. Eight in total.
This news is extremely timely, as a dear mate, and I am off to Oz tomorrow. I’m going with my long-time mate, Matt — the same Matt who stood by me and read Phil’s eulogy at his celebration. After a year of big changes, seeing a story about a friendship that “changes you for good” feels like the perfect way to spend the weekend.
**Where the Magic is Shortlisted
Best Casting — This is historic, as this is a brand new category. In 2026 is the first year the Oscars are recognising casting directors and Wicked is in the inaugural top 10.
Best Original Song is a double win, with both “The Girl in the Bubble” (Glinda) and ” No Place Like Home” (Elphaba) having made the cut.
Best Original Score for Stephen Schwartz and John Powell, who have done amazing work.
The Technical Sweep – The Movie got nods in Cinematography, Makeup & Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects.
**Script Secrets that I will be looking for.
**The “Mandrake” Broom: The design of Elphaba’s broom was inspired by a mandrake root and is meant to look like an open hand. I’ll be checking the details on that “earthy” weapon.
**Improvised Magic: Director Jon M. Chu encouraged the cast to play around. I’m looking for the “I love you” exchange and even a few of Bowen Yang’s one-liners that supposedly were ad-libbed on the spot.
I like going multiple times because I always pick up on different things. Once again will be doing that also. I can’t wait to see Matt’s reaction to the end, especially. Matt shared with me that he has been looking forward to this since last year.
I just found that the nominations for the Golden Globe awards have been announced.
Wicked: For Good has received
*Cynthia Erivo for Best Performance by an Actress in a leading role in a Musical or Comedy
*Ariana Grande for Best Performance by an Actress in a supporting role in a Musical or Comedy
*Best Original Song: “No Place Like Home” and “Girl in the Bubble” Stephen Schwartz
*Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: Wicked: For Good
****Personal thoughts
I was surprised that Wicked had no nomination for best picture in the Musical or Comedy category. Honestly, looking at the actual nominees, I barely recognise half of them. To push aside a massive cultural event like Wicked for films that barely made a blip on the radar just feels wrong.
“How in the world could Jon M. Chu miss out again as best director? Look at his track record with Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. Both movies did incredibly well, proving that big-hearted musicals and rom-coms still have a vital place in modern movies.” I can’t even imagine what he put on hold as he took on this project, just the size of it alone.
Ethan Slater’s performance is stellar in the second half once he has turned into the Tin Man. It’s just a shame that great individual work like that is getting overlooked because voters decided to ignore the movie as a whole.”
The award nomination season has officially kicked off, and I’m excited to keep track of Wicked: For Good. I anticipate a busy and eventful season ahead, filled with noteworthy films and performances. As I peruse the early nomination list, I notice that several of the movies are unfamiliar to me, which sparks my curiosity about their plots and casts. I’m eager to learn more about these films and see how they might compete in this exciting season.
Grammy Nominations are already out with Cynthia Erivo/Ariana Grande: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Defying Gravity. The Grammy Awards are on February 1
Critic’s Choice Nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande), Best Cast/Ensemble (Bernard Telsey, Tiffany Little Canfield), Best Costume Design for Paul Tazewell. Best Hair and Makeup for Frances Hannon, Laura Blount, Mark Coulier, Best Production Design for Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales, Best Song “The Girl in the Bubble” for Stephen Schwartz. The Critic’s Choice are on January 4, 2026
Golden Globe Nominations are out with the show on January 11, 2026. Wicked: For Good is nominated for Best Picture. Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy): Cynthia Erivo, Wicked: For Good. Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Ariana Grande, Wicked: For Good. Best Song: “The Girl In The Bubble,” Wicked: For Good. Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: Wicked: For Good.
The wedding (the planned wedding between Glinda and Fiyero) occurs much later, during the second half of the story (Wicked for Good), and is part of the sequence of events that leads to the final confrontations. When Fiyero leaves Glinda at the altar, Madam Morrible had never treated Glinda with respect, but once Glenda had returned to her apartment, she started to realise that she had been kept in the dark far too long. I thought of Glinda as the girl next door, almost the golden child, who discovered that, as things were falling apart around her, she needed to make sure that Elphaba was OK.
Once Elphaba/Glinda come face to face (after “No Good Deed” ), they both realise that things will never be the same. Glinda wants to confront Elphaba about what has happened, but there is no time. The events are spiralling too quickly, and the forces of the Wizard and Madame Morrible are closing in. Their meeting is tinged with urgency and the bitter reality that their time together, and the world as they knew it, is rapidly coming to an end. This heightened sense of “no time” makes their subsequent farewell even more impactful and bittersweet.
Elphaba hands the Grimmerie to Glinda. Glinda can’t read it, but Elphaba knows that it will be safe with her. At this point, the song “For Good” starts (this broke me; I referenced some of the words to this song during my Phil’s Life Celebration). How do you save your best friend, knowing that you will have to disappear for the rest of her life?
Elphaba’s decision to “disappear” is the ultimate act of friendship and self-sacrifice. She gives Glinda a future, knowing it means giving up her own presence in that future. It’s a testament to how deeply she cares, as evidenced by her prioritising Glinda’s safety and well-being over her own. Elphaba hides Glinda in the closet to keep her safe, knowing that Dorothy is almost there. Glinda watched through the door of the closet as Dorothy arrived. (By this time, I think most of the theatre is in tears, knowing what is about to happen). Glinda finally comes out, and you see the scene of the hat reflected in the water on the floor. It’s the moment of enlightenment, a sudden flash of realisation. Glinda stands alone in a vast world, the air around her shimmering with possibility. The weight of solitude hangs lightly, yet influences her every thought, while the vivid landscape unfolds before her, rich with colours and sounds that beckon her to explore.
“Once Elphaba had departed, a faint yet rhythmic knocking echoed from the floorboards, signalling Feyrio’s emergence. He rose slowly, his form materialising from the very ground beneath them as if summoned by an unseen force. As my mind raced with questions, one stood out: How would they ever escape the clutches of the city? Feyrio, now transformed into a Scarecrow, wore his new guise like a protective shell. It was a necessary sacrifice, the only means to save him from a fate far worse than simply being trapped. Glinda was left alone, holding the Grimmerie, processing not only Elphaba’s apparent demise but the shocking revelation of Fiyero’s true survival and the depth of their love. Her world, utterly shattered, now demanded her immediate attention, not just to grieve, but to lead.”
I get losing people in your life, I have gone through losing Grandparents, Parents, other family members, in no way was I prepared for losing Phil. It’s taken almost a year to just get the basics going again. How was Glinda going to cope with the loss of 2 close friends, but then also having to rebuild Oz, so to speak?
How does one lead, inspire, and heal a broken land when her own heart carries such deep, private wounds? It would be a daily act of courage, drawing strength from the very friendship that had shaped her, a silent promise to honour their memory by striving for the good Elphaba had always truly embodied.”
Safe Travels as you visit the Emerald City. As you work through your questions, and how you have been changed for good.
I, Cricket, have recently embarked on a trip to the Emerald City to experience a special viewing of both films. It was thrilling to immerse myself in the captivating worlds they created, but there was an undeniable bittersweetness in the air without Phil by my side. Even though I felt his absence deeply, I found comfort in knowing that he was there in spirit, sharing the moment with me.
One of the initial themes I have been exploring is found in the first movie, where the young character from Munchkinland poses a pivotal question to Glenda: “Are people born Wicked, or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?” This inquiry delves deep into the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative, framing a drama that resonates throughout the entire film. The story intricately weaves together the complexities of societal judgments and the weight of personal choices, presenting arguments for both perspectives simultaneously. It invites viewers to reflect on the nuanced interplay between inherent nature and external influences, prompting a profound contemplation of morality and character. Even after watching the movie again yesterday, it still got me thinking.
Madam Morrible, I got to wondering, was she wicked, or was it a choice? Her actions became increasingly “wicked” as she did whatever was needed to keep the citizens of Oz in the oppression that she and the Wizard had created, also using Elphaba to further her control. A question you could ask is, was there a seed of “wickedness” in her character that blossomed in the right connections? The brilliance of Morrible’s character is that she blurs the lines. Her cruelty raises the question of whether it is purely a matter of circumstance or if it reflects a deeper truth about her character. How much of it is the shades of grey they try to weave, to hide how much of a villain they are really?
The Wizard truly embodies the idea that power can corrupt, and that seemingly ordinary people can make “wicked” choices when driven by fear and self-preservation, blurring the lines of inherent evil versus situational evil. He’s a complex character precisely because he makes you wrestle with that very question. This is why the subsequent revelation that Elphaba was his own daughter is such a tragic moment; I wouldhave loved to have seen more of the Wizard’s reaction as he processed that devastating truth. Was there a seed of that manipulative tendency in him from the start, or did thesheer opportunity for power corrupt him entirely?
If the Wizard represents wickedness chosen, Glinda’s evolution represents the painful process of awareness. For me, the true turning point for her character is the “Girl in the Bubble” moment. She arrives seemingly gentle, but the power behind her ascension is undeniable. This scene marks her shift from a popular, perhaps naive, schoolgirl to someone beginning to grapple with real responsibility and influence. Meeting at Shiz University, it took a while before the walls were broken down. For me, the OzDust scene was the point at which their relationship changed.
But the road ahead for Glinda and Elphaba was fraught with betrayal and impossible choices, pushing their friendship to its limits and beyond. Discover how their intertwined destinies unfolded in the dramatic conclusion of their story in Part 2.”
As I prepare to return to the Emerald City to watch both films today, it has got me thinking about the original journey just a little less than a year ago.
Phil and I had long been aware that the movie had been the subject of discussions for a couple of years before it finally progressed into pre-production. During that time, I immersed myself in the soundtrack, meticulously searching for those hauntingly beautiful songs that resonate deeply with me. One track that stood out was “Defying Gravity,” which became a source of comfort and inspiration during that creative journey.
Curious to learn more, I dove into research about the stage show, eager to uncover the intricacies of its narrative. Having watched “The Wizard of Oz” countless times in my childhood, I found myself captivated by its vibrant world and colourful characters. I often wondered if there was a hidden backstory that explained how the fantastical elements came to be and what secrets lay beneath the surface of that beloved tale.
The moment the sneak peek was announced, I felt a rush of excitement. I immediately turned to Phil, bubbling over with enthusiasm as I shared my plan to get tickets. Without hesitation, he replied, “Yes!”—his eagerness mirroring my own. We marked the night on our calendars, knowing it would be something truly special. I decided to wear what I affectionately called my Elphaba shorts, a playful nod to my favourite character, and I couldn’t wait to wear them again for this memorable occasion.
After we walked out of the movie, I asked Phil what he thought. His response surprised me: “When are we going again?” We were fortunate to see it a total of four times before Phil passed away.
The trailer for “Wicked” was filled with intriguing Easter eggs, and I’m eagerly hoping that we will uncover some answers today. As I anticipate the reveal, I find myself wondering what twists and turns lie ahead. It’s been said that a central theme of the story delves into the profound consequences arising from the choices made by Elphaba and Glinda, two iconic characters whose destinies are intricately intertwined.
I will share my reflections on the movie once it is officially released, as I want to respect the excitement of those eager to embark on their own journey to the Emerald City for a viewing. I believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the film without any spoilers, and I look forward to discussing it in depth after they’ve had the opportunity to enjoy it for themselves.
I love music, and listen to as much as I can. I always thought that maybe one day I might try my hand at writing a song or two. With the help of Mick doing my arranging, I have had some fun.
The song’s core message is about shifting the focus of life from external achievements and a frantic pace to internal fulfilment and intentional living. The central theme, “my only job, my single quest,” isn’t about a career or a specific goal, but a philosophy of life itself. The lyrics repeatedly contrast the “hurried race” and “chase the clock” with the internal values of “joy, the truth, the grace.” This highlights a deliberate choice to live a more meaningful, less stressful existence.
“The grandest test”: This is the central metaphor. Life isn’t a test to be passed with a high score or a specific outcome, but a “test” of character, resilience, and authenticity. It’s a challenge to be met with integrity, not just success.
“A fire, a guiding light”: This imagery in the second verse suggests that living this “extraordinary life” isn’t a passive act. It’s about actively influencing the world around you, providing warmth and guidance to others.
“Tapestry”: The bridge introduces this powerful metaphor. A tapestry is woven from many different threads—some bright, some dark—to create a complete picture. This represents how both the “hope and pain” and the “sun and the summer rain” are necessary parts of a full, beautiful life.
“Breathe it in”: This recurring line is both a literal and metaphorical call to mindfulness. It suggests a need to fully experience each moment, to absorb it without judgment, and to simply exist in the present.
Poetic Devices Repetition: The song effectively uses repetition to drive home its central message. The chorus, particularly the lines “my only job, my single quest” and “This extraordinary life for me,” acts as an anchor, reinforcing the song’s core theme after each verse.
Rhyme Scheme: The simple, consistent AABB rhyme scheme (e.g., “day” / “way,” “clock” / “lock”) gives the song a straightforward, almost conversational feel. It makes the lyrics feel accessible and easy to follow, much like the message they convey.
Contrast: The lyrics use strong contrasts to make their point. For example, “hurried race” vs. “joy,” “build a wall” vs. “break a lock,” and “darkness” vs. “light.” This technique clarifies the choices the narrator is making and the values they hold.
In short, the song is a lyrical manifesto for intentional living. It suggests that the most profound and extraordinary life isn’t found by chasing external validation but by embracing every moment with authenticity, grace, and an open heart.
This is Cricket's Coffee 