In the desert, something Wicked this way comes.
The Palm Springs Film Festival said today that Ariana Grande will receive its 2025 Rising Star Award for role as Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s smash movie that has become the top-grossing adaptation of Broadway musical ever.
“In Wicked, Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda elevates her to new heights with a powerful acting performance that beautifully combines her outstanding musical talent, brilliant characterization and impeccable comedic timing,” said festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Ariana is an iconic global performer who has seamlessly transitioned to film in her first major starring role, proving herself to be a multifaceted and undeniable talent. This role is certain to be the beginning of the many accolades she will garner throughout her acting career.”
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With Wicked, Grande is branching out from her phenomenal music career. She has seven consecutive albums to her credit and in 2019 became the first artist since The Beatles to hold the top three slots on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. She also is the most-streamed female artist in Spotify’s history with more than 50 billion — with a B. Her latest LP, Eternal Sunshine, debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. and several other countries.
She has squeezed a few screen credits onto her résumé including Adam McKay’s star-laden 2021 Netflix film Don’t Look Up and a guest shot playing the Pickle Fairy of Hope on the Showtime series Kidding in 2020.
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Among the other honorees at the Palm Springs fest, which runs January 2-13 in the desert city east of Los Angeles are Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, Angelina Jolie (Maria), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), Mikey Madison (Anora), Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), the cast and director of Emilia Pérez and the ensemble of Conclave.
The event’s awards gala is set for January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
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