Cynthia Erivo's Previous Chance At An EGOT Has An Ironic Twist

At the 2025 Oscars, Wicked superstar Cynthia Erivo has another shot at achieving an accolade very few actors have before — but her former chance at the EGOT has an ironic twist. The two-part Wicked adaptation became an instant global sensation following its premiere last year because of its incredible soundtrack, stunning visuals, and strong performances. Its enduring popularity has made the Broadway adaption a serious contender during awards season, and among Wicked's outstanding cast, Erivo has been commended for her performance. On account of this, Erivo could join the 21 other actors to ever achieve a coveted title.

The honor is incredibly difficult to win, and the Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys are often more easily attained by composers, which is why they make up the majority of EGOT winners. However, Erivo made strides towards the respected title years ago when she earned herself three-fourths of the criteria for her work in The Color Purple. Remarkably, the actress is now just one Academy Award away from completing the four-award sweep. However, with Eviro's tremendously impressive catalog of movies, Wicked is not her first Oscar nomination.

Cynthia Eviro Was Last Nominated For An Oscar For Harriet - Against Renée Zellweger For Judy

Cynthia Eviro Received Her First Oscar Nomination In 2020

Harriet is easily one of Eviro's best performances; the biographical film follows the real-life story of Harriet Tubman and her life before working with the Underground Railroad to lead enslaved individuals to freedom. Eviro portrays Tubman, while the cast also features Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, and Joe Alwyn. Harriet received two nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, where Eviro was put forward for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, as well as Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song). However, the former was awarded to Renée Zellweger.

Zellweger won the award for Best Actress for her role in Judy — wherein she played Judy Garland, the star of The Wizard of Oz. The biopic is mostly set around Garland later in life and her determination to rebuild her career. The irony is not lost that Zellweger won for portraying Garland, the original Dorothy, while Eviro now plays the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz prequel, Wicked. In Zellweger's speech, she praised Garland and figures such as Harriet Tubman for being "our heroes [that] unite us and inspire us to find the best in ourselves."

Cynthia Eviro Would Have Been An EGOT Winner In 2020 - Should She Have Won For Harriet?

Zellweger Was Always The Favorite To Win At The 2020 Academy Awards

Harriet is an incredibly moving and important story, but Eviro faced tough competition across the board. Alongside Zellweger, Saoirse Ronan was nominated, as well as Charlize Theron, and Scarlett Johansson. That being said, Zellweger was the favorite in the run-up to the ceremony. Her portrayal of the singer and movie star is very poignant and shone a spotlight on Garland, including her lasting impression on Hollywood, and how she shaped the industry as a whole. However, Judy encountered little influence elsewhere, with its only other nominations in Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

This account of Harriet Tubman's life is a well-crafted one and more than deserving of recognition. Eviro's portrayal of the historical figure is captivating, and it is difficult to compare the two performances. Contrasting styles are required to embody the characters who are starkly different. On the other hand, Eviro called for change within the Academy in 2020, as the only non-white performer nominated for any Oscars acting award that year (via Variety). While Erivo could have potentially won over Zellweger back then, Wicked is more likely to result in her EGOT win this year or next.

Source: Variety

Oscars

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Dates

March 2, 2025

Network

ABC

Website

https://www.oscars.org/

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