Golden Globe Reactions: Ariana Grande Ponders Singing ‘Wicked’ Music on Tour, Michael B. Jordan Was Left Out of ‘Sinners’ Group Chat, Cynthia Erivo Realizes She Broke a Record

For her role as Glinda in “Wicked: For Good,” Grande was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture

How did you first hear the news of your second Golden Globe nomination?

I was running around getting ready to leave from work today, and I got a call from my manager, Brandon [Creed], and I, of course, screamed and wept. I’m just so extraordinarily grateful.

What do these nominations mean to you?

It’s not expected, especially not twice for the same role. It’s an extraordinary honor. I was so grateful to do this work. This role was something I had to earn, and work that I’m so proud of. I’m so proud to have done it, and to see it be celebrated in this way again, twice, is just an extraordinary thing.

Is everyone celebrating in the “Wicked” group chat?

I honestly have not been able to even check my phone. The second it happened, I hopped on with you guys. Brandon called me. My mom called me, and now I’m here with you.

Are you the type to prepare an acceptance speech?

I haven’t even thought that far ahead, but maybe I should think about something just in case.

How great was it to see the new songs Stephen Schwartz wrote for the film, “The Girl in the Bubble” and “No Place Like Home,” receive nominations?

It’s amazing. I can’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that we were trusted to originate Stephen Schwartz. This film, these songs, all of it has my whole heart. It’s thrilling.

There aren’t usually musical performances at the Golden Globes ceremony. But should they have some this year so you and Cynthia Erivo can sing these songs onstage?

Oh, my goodness, I don’t know. It’s kind of nice that it has its own schtick, isn’t it?

But we want to hear you sing.

You can always hear us sing.

What did you think the first time you heard “The Girl in the Bubble?” What was that moment like?

I felt relieved because I didn’t know what to expect when I heard that Glinda had a new song. I just felt that it added so much value to her arc. It’s such a beautiful narrative piece. We see the result of her making that decision, but we don’t see her make it. Every time we see Glinda, there’s so much noise around her. There’s so many Munchkins screaming for her, clapping for her, and people rushing around her, telling her that she’s good and that she is important. So to finally have that moment when she can just be herself, alone — which is how she spends most of this movie, whether it looks like it or not — it’s really special. And that takes the bravery of [director] Jon Chu to let us get to know Glinda in the way that we have been able to thanks to this second film. Because I think that Glinda deserves that context, and we’ve not been allowed in like this before.

Jon and Universal Pictures chief marketing officer Michael Moses have spoken about expanding the “Wicked” universe. What do you want to see? What do you want for Glinda in a spinoff movie or TV series?

I trust Jon Chu implicitly. I think that as long as he is at the helm you can do no wrong. He’s got such an incredible instinct when it comes to these things. I love these characters but I have no idea. I know nothing. I trust them.

Will we be hearing “Wicked” songs during your upcoming concerts?

I think it’s too soon to tell, but we’ll see. To be continued.

Have you heard from Barbra Streisand yet about the wonderful “Get Happy”/“Happy Days Are Here Again” duet you’ve been singing with Cynthia?

She’s always been so encouraging. So incredibly supportive and so kind.

When are you going to sing it again?

I hope to someday. I really do. I love singing that.

Maybe you can do it at the Golden Globes.

Oh my gosh. You’re gonna have to pitch this to them. You have to pull some strings.

For his roles as twins Smoke and Stack in “Sinners,” Jordan was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture drama.

Congratulations!

I can hear your smile. I can tell that all your teeth are out.

They are! I can hear yours, too. How did you find out this wonderful news? Who was the first person to get to you this morning?

The crazy thing is, it wasn’t just one. It was all over my phone from a few different time zones. It felt like New Year’s, when everybody starts sending text messages. The first ones that caught my eye were my group chat between my entire team. We’ve been grinding on this campaign. And then my mom’s text message caught my eye, and she just was like, really, really, really happy. She was just saying she’s really proud of me. She knows it’s been a long road and how long we have been working at this, from all the auditions she used to drive me to all over New York City. So this is just as much her nomination as it is mine.

What does it mean to share this with Ryan Coogler, who has been your director five times now? 

It means a lot. He’s somebody that I’ve been on this road with for over a decade. We’ve been working hard together and to see him grow and evolve and to always be honest about the work, and put the work first, to be able to see him get the recognition and to get his flowers, I am proud of him. It’s really special to go through this process with him.

“Sinners” has seven nominations, but those two for best director and screenplay are firsts for him. Before, he was only nominated as a songwriter with Rihanna [for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”].

To see him get nominated for something original, for something that means so much to him and that’s been inspired by his Uncle James and his passion for blues music, and something that came from his love and his passion, it feels good when you get that recognition. I’m so proud. I’m literally so, so excited for him.

You mentioned a few group chats. One of those, I imagine, is the “Sinners” crew. What has the conversation been in there?

Well, I always like to give them shit because I wasn’t originally invited into the group chat in the beginning.

Wait, what? You weren’t invited into the “Sinners” group chat? 

I had to find out about the group chat later on. [They said,] “Mike, you were Smoke that day when we created it, so we kept it away from you because you weren’t in a talking mood.” A little running joke that I like harassing them about from time to time. But everybody’s excited for each other. Whenever we get together, it’s a good time, so I actually love being around those guys. When something good happens to one of us, it happens for all of us.

There are 27 first-time Golden Globe nominees – and you’ve worked with another one: Tessa Thompson.

I am so freaking excited for that woman! Gotdamn, she’s so phenomenal. And another person that I’ve known for a really long time. Just to see her grow, and for her to get a love for this role — this movie [“Hedda”] is a beautiful film. She does such an amazing job. I couldn’t be happier.

How are you going to celebrate today? 

Aw man, I don’t know. I’m just taking it one moment at a time. What am I going to do today? I’ve got to get back at it. I have a few more Q&As and things. This weekend, I might take a moment to celebrate. When I figure it out, I’ll let you know. 
Looking ahead to the ceremony – are you going to prepare a speech?

I think I’ve just got to be happy for the moment. I like to speak from the heart. I’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but for now I’m just taking the blessings as they come.

For her role as Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good,” Erivo was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture musical or comedy.

How does it feel to receive a second Golden Globe nomination for playing Elphaba? 

I’m partially surprised because you never can expect it. Another part of me is grateful and proud to have been part of this piece. I’m in awe. This is a wonderful thing. I’m very happy and was in the middle of rehearsal in London for ‘Dracula.’ So, it’s a bit of a wild one.

I don’t know if you know this yet, but you made Golden Globes history as the first Black woman to earn two lead actress nominations in the comedy or musical category. What’s that like to know?

Oh, my god – that’s a genuine reaction. It’s very special. I hope there are many more to come, not just for me, but for other Black women. I hope it’s just the beginning. What a wonderful thing to do that and be a part of changing history a little bit and hopefully open up doors for someone else too. 

Ariana Grande was nominated as well for “Wicked: For Good.” Have you gotten a chance to speak with her yet?

I texted her to say congratulations. She’s running around in other rehearsals, so we’re going back and forth. She deserves it. I’m very proud of her.

This is your fifth Golden Globe nomination. How does it feel to be recognized for your work across various projects?

I didn’t realize until this second when you said it was the fifth. This is insane. It’s very lovely to be nominated across different fields. I hope it shows that I love my work, it means a lot to me and that I’m willing to stretch myself and do different things to grow as an artist. It also means a lot to be celebrated in that way. To be able to say that’s a part of my work is such a wonderful thing. 

“Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” have resonated with audiences so deeply, especially your character Elphaba. How does it feel to just be a part of such a cultural phenomenon that connects with people?

It’s a wonderful thing because you can never expect these things. There’s nothing to say that would happen. While we knew it was special and everyone on the set loves “Wicked,” you don’t know how the audience will take it. Everyone opened their arms to it in a beautiful way, so we’re all grateful. To be a part of that is so special. It’s one of those things that you hope and wish that you’ll be a part of that shifts history, makes people connect, smile and brings people a little bit of joy.

For his work on “Sinners,” Coogler is nominated for best motion picture drama, best director of a motion picture, best screenplay for a motion picture and cinematic and box office achievement.

This is not your first time at the Golden Globes, but you’re a first-time nominee for best Director and screenplay. How does it feel?  

I’m filled with gratitude, to be honest with you. It’s really nice to be thought of, especially when the film came out some time ago. The fact that it’s still on people’s minds and that the folks at the Golden Globes thought about us enough to nominate us, it’s really heartwarming.

How did you find out?

I was up because we were here in Santa Barbara, and we have to get our kids back to L.A. I was packing and I clicked on that link that got sent over with the announcement, so I was listening, packing and getting ready for the day. It was really exciting to find out about it that way.

How does it feel to see Michael B. Jordan get his first Globe nomination for his work in “Sinners”?

It’s the greatest feeling in the world. He worked so hard, and he’s so good in this movie because he’s actually doing the work of two characters. It’s very different from what he’s done before. It’s a role that he can only know at this age. His work in the film is intricate. And what’s great about Mike is he’s so charismatic and magnetic [so] it looks easy. I’m really happy that he’s been recognized for this, and it’s an honor to be a part of him getting as far as a nomination.

Have y’all already been on the phone? Is there a “Sinners” group chat that’s blowing up?

There’s a lot of text messages flying around. Everybody’s afraid to wake each other up. He’s up now, so I’m gonna call him. We texted back and forth a little bit earlier, and I’ll probably get on the phone with him later today. I texted him congratulations, and he told me he was proud of me.

He’s been in every single movie you’ve directed, beginning with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013. When you look back on “Sinners” and having this opportunity to do this together, how will you remember this time?

I just remember how much fun we had making it and all of the challenges. It felt like summer camp, even though most of us are approaching our 40s. It felt like we were together with all of our friends, making something that we were so excited about that the world didn’t know about yet, but we had this anticipation of the world possibly reacting to it with the same amount of love that we have for it.

I just felt so special seeing the work of all of all of my collaborators, man — like my producers; my heads of department; [composer] Ludwig Goransson, who was nominated this morning; this young actor Miles Caton, who nobody had seen act before’ and Hailee [Steinfeld] in a type of role nobody has seen her in before; Wunmi [Mosaku] was doing the work; a living legend like Delroy [Lindo] was doing the work; Jack [O’Connell] was doing the work. And then to see my friend give these two performances that I think are his best two performances ever. Which I couldn’t tell [anybody]. They wouldn’t believe me, because he’s done so much incredible work in “The Wire,” “Friday Night Lights” and with me with “Fruitvale Station” and the “Black Panther” films and all the “Creed” films. It would sound crazy to somebody to say, “This is the best Mike has ever been.” But that is how I felt while watching him for those 60-some-odd days up close. Right there next to the camera, I was just wowed by what he was able to do and what everybody was able to do.

For her role as Agnes Shakespeare in “Hamnet,” Buckley was nominated for best performance by female actor in a motion picture drama.

Congratulations on the nomination. How are you feeling this morning?

Well, I just landed in Berlin this morning from New York. I feel a bit like, “Where am I?” I’m currently walking to see the Berlin Wall. I’ve never been to the Berlin Wall with my daughter. So, how am I feeling? I feel great. I’m trying to take it all in and do normal things, but it’s a huge honor. I’m so honored.

That’s one way of celebrating! When did you find out you were nominated?

I was just waking up. We got in early this morning, so I went back to bed, and I’m just waking up with my daughter. Then my mom rang me, crying.

That sounds like a special moment. Any tears from you so far?

None from me. I think I need to put my feet on the ground and take it all in. I’m so proud of the film, and I’m so proud of Chloé [Zhao] and Paul [Mescal] and Max [Richter], and everybody who is part of creating this film. It’s so lovely that it’s been affecting audiences the way it has, and also to be beside these other incredible films that I’ve loved watching. So yeah, I think I’ll put my feet on the ground soon.

Have you had a chance to chat with Paul Mescal or any of the other “Hamnet” nominees yet this morning?

I sent a message to Chloé and Paul saying that I’m really proud. And Chloé sent me back a gif of a dog running. I’m sure we’ll all find each other and celebrate.

You grew up doing Shakespeare. What does it mean to you to be nominated for this part in particular?

It’s such a lovely full circle in some ways. The start of my career, my first ever job, [was] in the Globe Theater. And to meet this moment of my life, back in the Globe, but also as a new mother and on the other side of the stage, in the audience, and for it to be affecting audiences the way it has. That’s what you always hope for and dream about, that stories you tell will reach beyond just the stage. Look, I can’t believe any of it. To be honest, I really am like, “Where am I?” I never expected any of this, and I am so grateful to be part of this community. I love telling stories. I love being part of a community of artists, and I hope this is just another story on the journey. Who knows what the next story is.

What can you tell us about your upcoming “Frankenstein”-related film “The Bride”?

It’s a wild, electrical love story. It’s not a Frankenstein or a bride that you’ve seen or heard before, but it’s full of life and love and disobedience, and I am so excited. It couldn’t be more opposite to “Hamnet” in an elemental way, and I’m so excited for people to see it in the next few months.

For her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in “One Battle After Another,” Taylor was nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture.

Congratulations! How does it feel to be a first-time Golden Globe nominee?

​It feels amazing. I’m pinching myself. I’m in L.A. right now, and it’s 6 a.m. I feel like I’m dreaming and I’m going to wake up, like this isn’t happening. This is crazy. I’m filled with so much gratitude and joy. I’m still trying to process it.

​What were you doing when you found out that you were nominated?

​I was knocked out. My aunt was fooling around in the kitchen. It woke me up, but I didn’t understand what was happening. I fell asleep on the couch yesterday, woke up and saw that [the announcement of nominees] was on. We were watching it on YouTube, and it was delayed. While watching it, my heart was beating fast. Then I got a big group phone call from my team, and they’re like, “Congratulations.” I’m like, “Hold on, wait. It didn’t even come up yet.” Then, I got on the phone with them, called my nana and granddad, and we prayed.

​Was your team the first people to congratulate you?

​Yes, we have this big group chat, and it was like 20 different people on FaceTime. I see my mom in the group chat complaining because she was on her flight and they didn’t have any WiFi. She was in the group chat like, “Oh my God, I’m about to lose it on this plane.” She finally got the WiFi when she landed, so I was able to talk to her.

​How does it feel to be nominated alongside your other castmates?

It feels so amazing, especially when you know all that it took to do this film. There was a goal to make sure that we were present for one another. It’s so dope that we can have this moment, celebrate and ride this whole journey together. I’m still trying to process it because this is something that we loved and believed in, whether it got awards, nominations or not.

Being seen and celebrated is the icing on the cake. We all put a lot of work into this project, especially PTA [director Paul Thomas Anderson]. He trusted us with something that’s so near and dear to his heart. He’s an amazing leader, guide and mentor.

​“One Battle After Another” was the most-nominated film with nine nods total. How does it feel to be a part of a project that has resonated so deeply with audiences?​

I’m filled with so much gratitude. To know that every single person involved with this project was hand-picked carefully and chosen with love and trust means the world. It’s one thing to be a part of something, but to know how much care, love and trust went into the choices makes you feel even more honored. I belong here. No matter how big or small, I’m a piece of this journey.​

I’ve been doing this since I was 15 years old. God’s timing is everything. Life has been life-ing for me the last few years. To see that the weight is not punishment — it is preparation for what is already written in the palm of his hands — hits different. Those nights of wanting to understand and know when it would be my turn. And it’s all happening. I’m honestly in awe. I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say.