Is Critics Choice Awards rigged? Fans furious after Ariana Grande loses Best Supporting Actress for 'Wicked'
Ariana Grande's loyal fanbase did not take the results of the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards lightly after the pop superstar walked away empty-handed in the Best Supporting Actress category. Grande was nominated for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in 'Wicked: For Good'. It's the second installment of Jon M. Chu's cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical 'Wicked'. The nomination marked her second consecutive recognition by the Critics Choice Association for the same role. However, expectations were quickly upended during Sunday night’s ceremony when the award went to an unexpected winner: Amy Madigan.
The veteran actress claimed the trophy for her performance as Aunt Gladys, a sinister and scene-stealing character in Zach Cregger's R-rated horror hit 'Weapons'. Madigan's win placed her ahead of a competitive field that included Grande, Elle Fanning ('Sentimental Value'), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas ('Sentimental Value'), Wunmi Mosaku ('Sinners'), and Teyana Taylor ('One Battle After Another'). While the nominees applauded Madigan as she approached the stage, the reaction beyond the awards hall was far less celebratory.
when are they finally going to take ariana grande butera seriously for her portrayal of glinda? she deserved the critics choice award for best supporting actress far more than any of the other nominees. the way she completely embodied glinda was nothing short of incredible, yet… pic.twitter.com/5q1Agrym3i
— ariana grande news network (@arianagbnewsnet) January 5, 2026
Within minutes, social media platforms lit up with fans expressing frustration and disbelief over Grande's loss. Many declared that the singer-actress had been "robbed," as reported by Daily Mail. Meanwhile, others framed the outcome in playful but pointed terms, joking that the "wrong witch" had taken home the prize. Despite the online uproar, Madigan herself appeared genuinely stunned by the recognition. Accepting the award, she admitted, "I really wasn't expecting all of this," as quoted by PEOPLE. She told the audience, "I thought people would like the movie and I thought people would dig Gladys, but you love Gladys. It is crazy."
Madigan went on to describe the unexpected cultural footprint her character has left behind since the film's release. According to the actress, fans have flooded her with creative tributes inspired by Aunt Gladys, ranging from makeup recreations to artwork. She even shared her bemusement at receiving messages labeling the character an unlikely "s*x icon," a reaction she said she chose not to examine too deeply. The actress used her speech to thank Warner Bros. and the entire 'Weapons' cast and crew. She also offered a heartfelt nod to fans who discovered her work through Aunt Gladys.
Notably, Grande's performance in 'Wicked: For Good' has been widely embraced by fans and critics since the film's release. The film itself has been a commercial juggernaut, strengthening Grande's position as one of the most high-profile crossover talents currently working in Hollywood. Despite the Critics Choice setback, Grande remains a strong presence this awards season, and the nomination alone underscores how seriously her acting career is now being taken. Whether fans agree with the outcome or not, the Best Supporting Actress category has undeniably become one of the most talked-about moments of this year's Critics Choice Awards.
