Ariana Grande Addresses First 2025 Oscars Nomination With Nostalgic Throwback

Ariana Grande has officially landed her first Oscar nomination.

The 31-year-old actress received a nod in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Glinda, the beloved Good Witch, in the highly anticipated musical adaptation of "Wicked."

Shortly after the 2025 Oscar nominations were announced, Ariana Grande took to Instagram to share her emotional reaction.

Reflecting on her childhood connection to "Wicked" and "The Wizard of Oz," she posted a heartfelt caption alongside a throwback photo of herself dressed as Dorothy.

“Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition," she began to write in her lengthy caption. "I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise."

She went on to express how "humbled" and "deeply honored" she is "to be in such brilliant company and sharing this with tiny Ari who sat and studied Judy Garland singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' just before the big, beautiful bubble entered. I’m so proud of you, tiny."

She also expressed her gratitude and love for the project, her co-stars, and director Jon M. Chu.

"Thank you @jonmchu for taking this chance on me and for being the most unbelievably brilliant leader, human being, and most fierce friend," Grande wrote. "I am so deeply proud of my beautiful 'Wicked' family. I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo. Your brilliance is never-ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden. I love you unconditionally, always."

The actress concluded with, "I don’t quite have all my words yet, I’m still trying to breathe. But thank you. Oh my goodness, thank you. Universal, Marc, my family, my heart. Lemons and melons and pears, oh my. [bubbles emoji].”

Ahead of the Oscar noms, Grande reflected on her evolving voice — a reminder that, even with production complete, she remains deeply connected to Oz.

“Maybe people underestimate how long we spent finding and disappearing into these women,” Grande told Variety at the time. “So when certain inflections or mannerisms take time to melt away, sometimes people poke fun. But we had a job to do, and we had things to get lost in — because that’s what the piece required.”

The actress went on to reflect on how her voice has changed after playing the role of Glinda.

“I think that might stay,” she said. “Galinda required a lot of vocal work for me. Certain things maybe won’t melt away. Some will, but I’m really grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever. What a beautiful thing to be left with, and to feel the ghost of every day.”

Grande continued, “And, you know, I’m still looking for my eyebrows.” (Grande has cycled through looks as she’s reinvented herself throughout her career, and these days, her daintily shaped, honey-blond eyebrows are still in their Galinda era.) “I’ll let you know if I find them — I hope I don’t.”

Grande joins an impressive lineup of nominees in the Best Supporting Actress category. The full list is as follows:

• Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
• Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
• Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"
• Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"
• Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"

Directed by Jon M. Chu, "Wicked" has been a labor of love for Grande, and her nomination highlights her transformative journey from pop icon to acclaimed actress.

Fans and critics alike are celebrating her well-deserved recognition, and anticipation for the film’s full release continues to grow.

"When you say Ariana Grande, You better make sure you put ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE in front of it," one X user expressed.

"ARIANA GRANDE-BUTERA IS NOW A OSCAR NOMINEE. I CAN’T STOP CRYING," another said.

"I present to you Oscar nominee Ariana Grande, ladies," a third wrote, adding a photo of Grande in her Glinda costume.

The 2025 Oscars will air on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.