Cynthia Erivo shares ‘hidden detail’ as she makes her ‘final ode’ to Wicked at the Oscars – Manchester Evening News

Cynthia Erivo gave her final ‘ode to Oz’ at Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony. She was nominated as Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Wicked.

The 38-year-old actress was nominated for her portrayal of Elphaba in the musical film, but lost out to ‘Anora’ star Mikey Madison.

With the Wicked press tour well documented, fans quickly noted that Cynthia had a fresh set of statement nails at every carpeted event leading up to the release.

Speaking outside Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, she said on ‘Live From E! The Oscars 2025 red carpet’: “It takes a while and every time we do a carpet we do them over.”

She added: “This time we did a proper ode to Oz. The Emerald City, all the green and the gold and the guild. We knew this is the last one, so we wanted to do something big and special.”

The camera zoomed in as she showed a clock on one finger and an intricate gold design on another. The star then praised her patient nail technician, Mycah Dior, as she said: “She made it by hand. We try to go as hard as we can.”

Mycah herself praised her work on her Instagram Story, as she wrote: “I think I truly outdone myself with this set.”

Mycah also later posted a snap of Cynthia on the carpet and captioned: “Dripping in gold, because it’s her time. A gilded mani for The Oscars @cynthiaerivo @theacademy … I wanted it to look like she dipped her hands in a treasure box, I DELIVERED… everything fully handrawn/ sculpted >.< zoom in on those details!”

While attending the event, Cynthia opted for a custom dark green velvet Louis Vuitton ballgown. She revealed was a nod to Elphaba’s green, Oz, and old Hollywood.

She added: “I always wanted a big dress for the Oscars if I made it here. And here we are in this wonderful, giant big green dress. And I feel amazing in it.”

Both Cynthia and Ariana Grande missed out on their Oscar this time around, but with Wicked part 2 coming out later this year hopes are still high for the duo.

Wicked still managed to take home two Oscars, for Best Costume Design for Paul Tazewell and Best Production Design for Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley.

Cynthia and Ariana also performed on the stage with a three-song set. Ariana opened with her rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, while Cynthia sang Home from The Wiz. The duo then went on to perform Defying Gravity together from Wicked.