Can ‘Wicked: For Good’ Actually Defy Gravity at the Oscars?

Wicked: For Good, the film adaptation of the stage musical’s second act, came out last weekend to middling reviews and box office gold—which is pretty emblematic of the entire Wicked experience. People have strong opinions about this thing; some are endlessly enchanted by Glinda and Elphaba, and some would rather see the Land of Oz burned to the ground. But where will the Academy stand? There’s plenty in the film’s favor heading into awards season: It’s a certified blockbuster with megastars echoing the days of old Hollywood musicals. But it’s also muddled by CGI and a narrative that was divisive even before it was brought to the screen. Let’s run through everything For Good and For Bad about Wicked: For Good’s Oscar campaign in an attempt to determine whether it can defy gravity over its competitors at the Academy Awards in March.