Cynthia Erivo, the multi-talented British actress and singer, is on the brink of making history in Hollywood. With her powerful performance in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, she could be just one nomination away from achieving EGOT status an elite group of artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
Erivo, who is already a Tony Award winner for her role in The Color Purple and a Grammy winner for the musical’s cast recording, has also garnered an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the miniseries Genius: Aretha. The 2025 Oscars could mark the pivotal moment when she joins the prestigious ranks of those who have achieved the rare EGOT title, and her performance as Elphaba, the iconic green-skinned witch from Wicked, is generating significant buzz in the entertainment world.
Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is one of the most anticipated performances in recent years, as fans of the beloved Broadway musical eagerly await the film adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the Wicked film stars Erivo alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing to life the fantastical world of Oz with stunning visuals and an updated, cinematic interpretation of Stephen Schwartz’s musical score.
Critics and insiders have already been lauding Erivo’s performance, with many pointing to her immense vocal range, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. Her ability to portray the complexity of Elphaba who navigates the difficult balance of being an outcast and a hero has earned her early praise, making her a top contender for this year’s Best Actress category at the Oscars.
Becoming an EGOT winner is a monumental accomplishment that only a few artists in history have attained. Among them are legends like Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert Lopez. For Erivo, earning an Oscar would be the final piece in the puzzle, solidifying her place in entertainment history.
Though it may seem like a distant dream to some, Erivo has already proven her versatility across multiple genres. Her performance as the resilient and emotionally powerful Celie in The Color Purple earned her the Tony Award, while her Grammy win for the cast album cemented her musical prowess. In addition, her portrayal of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in Genius: Aretha led to an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie, proving her ability to master both dramatic and musical roles with equal finesse.
Erivo’s potential Oscar nomination would be a crowning achievement in what has already been an incredibly successful career. After breaking onto the Broadway scene in 2015, she has continued to rise in both musical theater and film, showcasing her versatility as a performer and her incredible work ethic.
As Wicked continues to capture the attention of audiences worldwide, Erivo’s role as Elphaba could very well be the moment she secures that elusive Oscar nod. Hollywood’s attention has already been drawn to her, and with a performance that promises to be as spellbinding as the character herself, the road to EGOT status may be just one step away for this rising star.
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, the competition in the Best Actress category is sure to be fierce, with other contenders emerging from films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Poor Things, starring Emma Stone. However, Erivo’s powerful portrayal of Elphaba is generating a wave of support from critics, making her a frontrunner in this year’s race.
If Erivo were to take home the Oscar, she would join the ranks of only a handful of performers who have managed to conquer all four major entertainment awards. For now, it’s clear that she is well on her way to achieving what many thought was impossible—and with her ever-expanding talent, it’s likely that her EGOT journey is just beginning.
