Ariana Grande-Butera, known globally for her chart-topping music as Ariana Grande, is making waves in Hollywood with her role as Glinda in Wicked. Returning to her acting roots, the pop star-turned-actress has garnered widespread acclaim for her performance, which positions her as a frontrunner for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards.
A Role to Remember
In Wicked, Grande-Butera embodies Glinda, a character who evolves from a seemingly shallow socialite to a compassionate figure, forming a heartfelt bond with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical highlights Glinda’s prominence, with Grande-Butera featured in 44.59% of the film’s runtime—an impressive 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds of the 2-hour-40-minute movie.
This screentime makes her performance one of the most significant in Oscar history for a “supporting” role. Should she win, Grande-Butera will break the 50-year record held by Tatum O’Neal (Paper Moon) for the longest screentime of a Best Supporting Actress winner.
Awards Season Momentum
Grande-Butera has already secured nominations from major awards bodies, including the BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Although she lost the Golden Globe to Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), her Oscar chances remain strong. The Academy’s history of celebrating transformative performances in musicals could work in her favor.
Challenging Records
If Grande-Butera wins, she will surpass Jennifer Jones (Since You Went Away, 1944) as the Best Supporting Actress nominee with the second-longest screentime. Her performance as Glinda showcases not only her vocal talents but also her acting depth, cementing her as a standout in a highly competitive category.
A Dual Triumph for Wicked
As Wicked brings its tale of friendship and self-discovery to the big screen, Grande-Butera’s portrayal of Glinda has become a focal point of the film’s success. Together with Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, the duo brings the heart of Oz to life, ensuring that the film resonates with both fans of the musical and new audiences alike.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande-Butera’s potential Oscar win would not only mark a significant milestone in her career but also set a new benchmark in Academy history. With Wicked captivating audiences worldwide, her journey from pop star to acclaimed actress underscores the transformative power of talent and storytelling. All eyes are now on the 2025 Oscars to see if this record-breaking performance will take home the gold.
