Michelle Yeoh expressed her sentiments on the Oscar snub received by the director of the film ‘Wicked’, Jon M. Chu. The actress disclosed that the cast of ‘Wicked’ was emotional over the omission of Chu from the nomination list despite the film securing 10 nominations in various categories. Yeoh, 62, discussed this during an appearance on The View, where she shared her thoughts on the recent Oscar nominations, which were just unveiled. Alongside Yeoh, her co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were also recognised for their performances, adding to the joy of the team as ‘Wicked’ snagged a nomination for Best Picture.
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Despite the celebration over their nominations, Yeoh revealed that there were tears shed over the absence of Jon M. Chu and Alice Brooks, the director of photography, in the list of nominees. Yeoh mentioned that the team felt a mix of joy and sorrow, with emotions running high due to the recognition received in some categories while missing out in others. The film clinched nominations in significant categories such as Best Picture, costume design, and hair styling, highlighting the outstanding work of the cast and crew. During the discussion, The View co-host Ana Navarro brought up Jon M. Chu’s previous snub for ‘In the Heights’, to which Yeoh agreed that he deserved better recognition for his exceptional directorial skills.
Jon M. Chu’s absence from the Best Director category at the Oscars this year left many surprised and disappointed, especially considering his instrumental role in the success of ‘Wicked’. The Best Director category for this year includes notable names such as Sean Baker for ‘Anora’, Brady Corbet for ‘The Brutalist’, and James Mangold for ‘A Complete Unknown’, among others. Despite the setback, ‘Wicked’ stands tied with another film, ‘The Brutalist’, for the second-highest number of nominations this year, with ‘Emilia Pérez’ leading the pack with an impressive 13 nominations.
Ariana Grande, one of the stars in ‘Wicked’, expressed her unwavering support and admiration for Jon M. Chu in an interview with Variety. Grande highlighted Chu’s brilliance and leadership qualities, emphasising that his contribution was integral to the success and recognition that the film received. Cynthia Erivo, another talented actress from the film, also took to social media to appreciate Chu for his guidance and support throughout the project. The camaraderie and respect shared between the cast and director exemplify the strong bond that was forged during the making of ‘Wicked’.
The upcoming Oscars ceremony, set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, promises to be a night of celebration and recognition for the outstanding talents in the film industry. With ‘Wicked’ and its cast garnering multiple nominations, all eyes will be on the prestigious event to see if the film will secure any wins. The acknowledgment received by the film and its stars is a testament to their hard work and dedication, resonating with audiences and critics alike. As the countdown to the Oscars begins, the anticipation and excitement surrounding ‘Wicked’ continue to grow, setting the stage for a memorable night in the world of cinema.