Cynthia Erivo just made history at the Golden Globes

Starring in the “Wicked” films has not only changed actress Cynthia Erivo forever, but it has also given her the opportunity to make history.

Erivo received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for her performance as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in “Wicked: For Good.” She is the first black woman to be nominated twice in the category, following her nod last year for the first “Wicked” film.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor and singer called the nomination “a beautiful, beautiful surprise.”

“It’s been a whirlwind from the beginning of the first movie to this moment. I don’t know if there’s any comparable experience,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that.”

“To be nominated twice for this film is really special… Everyone has done such a beautiful job and I feel so lucky to be a part of it,” she added.

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Erivo’s Golden Globe nomination for “Wicked: For Good” is her fifth nomination overall. She received two nominations in 2020: one for her portrayal of abolitionist Harriet Tubman in the biopic “Harriet,” as well as for her original song from that film, “Stand Up.” In 2022, she was nominated for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie for the National Geographic series “Genius: Aretha,” in which she played soul music icon Aretha Franklin.

To win, Erivo will have to beat out her fellow nominees in that category: Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Amanda Seyfried and Emma Stone.

Erivo’s “Wicked: For Good” co-star Ariana Grande also received her second nomination for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in any Motion Picture for her performance as Glinda in the film.

However, to the surprise of many fans, “Wicked: For Good” did not get a nomination for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, while its director, Jon M. Chu, was also left out.

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The news comes as Erivo prepares to return to the London stage in a one-man production of “Dracula,” in which he will play 23 roles. He is rumored to reprise the role of Jesus Christ in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which he performed for the first time this summer in Los Angeles alongside Adam Lambert.

Adapted from the hit Broadway musical, the two “Wicked” films have received widespread praise. In the wake of the films’ box office success, writer Winnie Holzman and composer Stephen Schwartz confirmed that they met with Universal Pictures to consider expanding the franchise, although nothing has been confirmed.

In her THR chat, Erivo said it was “time to be able to let it go, give it away to the viewers, to the audience,” though she hinted that fans may not have seen the last of her as Elphaba.

“I don’t think I will ever forget the experience, and the most wonderful thing about it is that I am in touch and will always be in touch with every person who is part of this journey,” he said. “I don’t know, it doesn’t feel like goodbye. More like see you later.”