Universal Pictures’ adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” has stormed into awards season, fueled by spectacular ticket sales, glowing reviews and a kind of cultural ubiquity that happens once, maybe twice a year. And the film’s dominance won’t end at the box office. “Wicked” could cast a powerful spell on Oscar voters too, positioning the film as a serious contender for the best picture prize. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stands out in a competitive and wide-open awards season dominated by blockbuster sequels like Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.”
Here are five reasons why the Academy Awards could be primed for
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