The Golden Globes faced criticism from Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager for overlooking Jon M. Chu, the director of “Wicked,” even though the film and its leading actresses received multiple nominations.
On Monday’s episode of “Today with Hoda and Jenna,” Kotb expressed their frustration, stating, “I want to preface our next topic by saying we’re angry and it’s on our ‘jangly list.’” While acknowledging their happiness for many of the nominees, they highlighted a major oversight.
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu stays supportive despite being snubbed by the Globes
Bush Hager, 43, emphasized their disappointment regarding Chu’s lack of nomination, noting, “The bad news that we’re very disappointed about is Jon Chu who’s the director of ‘Wicked’ [didn’t get nominated].” Kotb, 60, referred to the film as an “unbelievable masterpiece,” while Bush Hager recognized the immense effort Chu put into creating such an incredible production.
Kotb expressed her apologies to Chu for the oversight, admitting they were perplexed about what might have happened. “In fact, if we could call somebody at the Golden Globes –– we can’t, because we don’t know anybody –– we would be calling them right now, because what?!” Bush Hager remarked.
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, received a nomination for best female actor in a comedy or musical, and Ariana Grande, playing Glinda, was nominated for best supporting female actor. During the discussion, Bush Hager highlighted that critics praised Chu for his commitment to making the film visually stunning and reminiscent of classic Hollywood.
Kotb elaborated on the challenges of adapting such a complex story, stating, “Because that was such a tricky movie to pull off because to make it something that was so incredible, it took the best director.” She added, “I’m surprised. He’s going to get an Oscar nomination for sure … I mean, that’s a given.”
Despite not receiving a nomination himself, Chu showed his support for “Wicked,” Erivo, and Grande by sharing the Golden Globes announcements on X. Along with the nominations for Erivo and Grande, the film was also recognized in the Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement categories.
The nominees for Best Director – Motion Picture included Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez,” Sean Baker for “Anora,” Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist,” Edward Berger for “Conclave,” Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance,” and Payal Kapadia for “All We Imagine as Light.”
