Cynthia Erivo's Barrier-Breaking Globes Nod Marks a New Chapter for Black Women in Hollywood
Cynthia Erivo has just made Golden Globes history.
She has become the first Black woman to receive two nominations in the lead actress (comedy or musical) category.
As reported by Variety, this is her second nomination for her unrivaled portrayal as Elphaba in the box office hit, Wicked: For Good, released earlier this month, the direct sequel to last year’s smash, Wicked, for which she was also nominated in the same category.
The actress and musician’s nod this year comes alongside the amazing Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee, Emma Stone for Bugonia and Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
Erivo’s achievement comes in a group where Black women have not been represented much over the years. Before her second nomination, and Infiniti’s first this year, only twelve Black women had been nominated for a Golden Globe since the category started, with just one winning: Angela Bassett, who notably earned the statuette in 1994 for her role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Just last year marked a significant milestone in award history as it was the first time that more than one Black woman received nominations in the same category. Along with Erivo, Zendaya also captured the spotlight for her role in the sports film Challengers. These moments not only celebrate their incredible talent but also signal a broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse storytelling, paving the way for more talented Black women to take center stage in Hollywood.
When it comes to Black women nominated for lead actress in a comedy or musical, the Globes has seen an inspiring and noteworthy array of talent over the years:
Dorothy Dandridge, Porgy and Bess
Diahann Carroll, Claudine
Irene Cara, Fame
Jennifer Beals, Flashdance
Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act
Angela Bassett, What’s Love Got to Do With It
Pam Grier, Jackie Brown
Beyoncé, Dreamgirls
Rebecca Hall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Quvenzhané Wallis, Annie
Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple
Cynthia Erivo, Wicked
Zendaya, Challengers
Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
Out of the 15 performances by Black women acknowledged in this category, only three have gone on to snag Academy Award nominations—Diahann Carroll for Claudine, Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got to Do With It? and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked.
For Erivo specifically, this year’s Globe nomination also stands out, especially after she was shockingly overlooked at the Critics’ Choice Awards for her towering performance in the Wicked sequel. Despite the film making quite the splash with seven nominations, including best picture and a nod to Ariana Grande for supporting actress, Erivo somehow found herself left out of the lineup. With all the buzz surrounding the movie, it feels like a missed opportunity to recognize her talent, but now she is back in full view with this new nomination, reminding everyone just how impactful her work truly is.
Erivo and the rest of the leading ladies on that Globes list are only a few of the incredible Black female performers who have brought laughter and depth to the screen. From the iconic roles that made us smile to the heartfelt performances that tugged at our heartstrings, each of these powerhouses has left an unfading mark on the industry. It’s a celebration of Black excellence in Hollywood and in modern history that also calls out the need for more representation and recognition in such prestigious awards.
Whether it’s their comedic timing, emotional depth or immense talent, may Erivo, Infiniti and their fellow Black female contemporaries continue to lead the way and redefine what it means to be a leading lady in the entertainment industry. Alongside them are fellow Golden Globe 2026 nominees Teyana Taylor (Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for One Battle After Another) and Tessa Thompson (Best Female Actor, Drama, for Hedda), representing a powerful movement that celebrates authenticity on screen.
These women are more than just actors; they are trailblazers who challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations.
The Golden Globes are back on January 11th.