‘Wicked’ at the Golden Globes: From That “Holding Space” Meme to Michelle Yeoh “Serving Mother”
Wicked may not have swept the major award categories at the 2025 Golden Globes but it still was at the center of jokes and moments during Sunday’s show.
The Jon M. Chu-directed box office hit went into the night with four nominations including best picture, musical or comedy. The film’s stars Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, and Ariana Grande, who plays Galinda/Glinda, were nominated for best actress and best supporting actress, respectively.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Wicked, based on the 2003 stage musical of the same name, tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. Winnie Holzman, the stage production’s book writer, wrote the screenplay for Chu’s movie with Dana Fox. Academy Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz adapted the musical for the screen.
Below, The Hollywood Reporter rounds up some of the Wicked moments from the Globes.
Box Office Achievement
After earning a cinematic and box office achievement nomination — Wicked had the highest opening for a musical adaptation with an estimated $114 million at the domestic box office — the Universal film ended up winning in the category.
When accepting the award, Chu praised the fans who saw the film, which he said helped showcase how art can offer a “radical act of optimism.”
“In a time when pessimism and cynicism sort of rule the planet right now that we can still make art that is a radical act of optimism. That’s empowerment and that is joy and so when we discover that maybe the world isn’t exactly the way we thought it was, then maybe we’re a little bit Elphaba inside of us, that maybe we have that courage and that strength to not give up, but to rise up and take the road off the yellow brick road and maybe discover we can fly.”
“Holding Space”
In her opening monologue, host Nikki Glaser included a reference to Wicked’s viral “holding space” interview, when reflecting on the recent election.
“I’m not here to roast you. And how could I? You’re all so famous, so talented, so powerful. I mean, you could really do anything — except tell the country who to vote for. But it’s OK. You’ll get them next time!”
Glaser then jokingly told Grande, “I’m scared. Ariana, hold my finger?” The star jokingly held Erivo’s nail instead as she did in the viral interview. Grande also mouthed and gestured to her Erivo, saying, “I’m holding hers.”
Nikki Glaser: “Everyone Loved Wicked”
Given Chu’s Wicked achieved success at the box office — it has earned $644 million globally, making it the top-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time, passing up Mamma Mia! — Glaser also joked about the film’s popularity.
“I did not know much about Wicked going into this year because I had friends in high school.… Everyone loved Wicked. I loved Wicked. My boyfriend loved Wicked. My boyfriend’s boyfriend really loved Wicked,” she said.
She also referenced the film when taking jabs at Joker 2. “In Wicked, some people complained that the movie was ruined by people singing. And then in Joker 2, some people complained that the movie was ruined by the images on the screen and the sounds that accompanied them. I’m sorry, Joker 2. Where’s their table? Oh, they’re not here,” she said.
“Pope-ular”
Poking some fun at Grande’s performance of “Popular” in Wicked, Glaser attempted to perform her own version of the song, also incorporating top nominee Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes.
“You’re going to be Pope-ular. I’ll teach you some Catholic prayers…” Glaser sang before pausing as she pretended to listen to a message in her earpiece. “This whole thing sucks? I’m embarrassing myself in front of Elton John?” Glaser said as the audience laughed.
Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh Address Internet Talk
When presenting the award for best song, Wicked stars Goldblum and Yeoh decided they wanted to “clear a couple of things up.”
“It has come to our attention that the Internet has been saying things about us since our Wicked movie came out,” Yeoh said.
“Yeah people, for instance, have been calling me ‘zaddy,'” Goldblum said.
“And the same people have been saying that I’m ‘serving mother’ and ‘slay the boots house down,'” Yeoh said, as the camera showed Erivo and Grande nodding their heads.
“Come on, I would never slay anyone’s house down,” Yeoh added.
Golden Globes producer Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge that also owns The Hollywood Reporter.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
