Cynthia Erivo: 'Wicked' Director Jon M. Chu Deserves Best Director Nomination

Cynthia Erivo has expressed her bewilderment at the omission of 'Wicked' helmer Jon M. Chu from the Best Director category at the upcoming Academy Awards.

"I don't know. I wish people understood just how much work goes into creating a behemoth like 'Wicked'," Erivo told Variety's Angelique Jackson. "None of this could happen without Jon's vision."

Erivo, who is nominated for Best Actress and co-star Ariana Grande for Best Supporting Actress, praised Chu's leadership, casting decisions, and attention to detail.

"He's the one who sees the big picture, who asks for nine million tulips, who wants to build a real set," she said. "He controls a project that could easily run away from you if you don't know what you're doing."

Erivo noted that Chu reached out to her immediately after her Best Actress nomination and praised him for being a guiding light for the cast.

"He's not just the director; he's our big brother and our dad," she said. "He's been celebrating this moment with us since the beginning."

Grande also expressed her support for Chu, stating, "He's incredibly brilliant, and all of the other nominations stem from Jon. He feels that seeing 'Wicked' celebrated is a celebration of him as well."

Despite the snub, Erivo emphasized Chu's gratitude for the film's Best Picture nomination. "That makes him happy. It's the big picture," she said. "If he's happy, I'm happy."

The 95th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2nd.