Few honors in the entertainment industry are held in higher esteem than the EGOT, reserved for the few who can win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. This British act and singing sensation is very close to doing it. If nominated, she is poised to be possibly the youngest winner of the four major American entertainment awards at the age of 38.
A Star Arcs Through Stage and Screen
It was a somewhat rapid rise for Erivo through the art of entertainment. It was the Broadway revival of “The Color Purple” which won her accolades in 2016 for her treatment of Celie and led to her being awarded the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album the following year, and in 2017, Erivo also won a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance on morning television. All these prestigious awards truly depict her power in the theater community.
She then crossed over into film, where her turn as Harriet Tubman attracted two nominations for the biopic “Harriet” in 2019 for Best Actress and Best Original Song-which she co-wrote and performed at the Academy Awards. While she lost to Renée Zellweger, those nominations certainly announced to Hollywood: “Look up; she is here.”
“Wicked”: A New Chapter
For yet another go, Erivo portrayed Elphaba in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit “Wicked” in 2024, and her casting has enchanted critics and audiences alike. “Wicked” garnered ten nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for co-star Ariana Grande, marking her third Oscar nomination.
Erivo said she was overwhelmed with gratitude for the recognition. “Moments like this don’t come along very often, and when they do, it is sacrilege to let them pass by without a moment of gratitude,” she said on social media. “I am grateful.to be a part of something that makes people feel seen.and deeply deeply grateful for this unbelievable recognition.”
The Road to EGOT
A win for Erivo would place her among the few EGOT winners and one of the youngest. The title currently is held by people like John Legend, who achieved EGOT status at 39 years old. This will not only be a personal achievement for Erivo but also one of those moments that go down in the history of entertainment.
A Competitive Landscape
This year’s Best Actress category is among the fiercest. Erivo faces serious competition in nominees like Karla Sofía Gascón, Demi Moore, and Fernanda Torres. Notably, Gascón makes history with her nomination as the first openly transgender performer nominated in this category. Moore and Torres also had gained momentum due to their recent Golden Globe wins.
A Wider Influence
Erivo’s journey resonates beyond personal accolades. As a Black British actress, her achievements contribute to the ongoing dialogue about diversity and representation in the arts. Her success challenges industry norms and inspires aspiring performers from underrepresented communities.
Looking Ahead
The excitement is in the air for the forthcoming Academy Awards. For Erivo, it is the fruition of years of hard work and investment in her craft. Whether she wins or not, her nomination for “Wicked” underlines her versatility and enduring impact on the performing arts.
As the awards season unfolds, the world watches Cynthia Erivo. Her story is one of talent and fortitude, of the arts transforming. And with Oscar or not, her work already has been so deeply placed into the collective consciousness that it has burned an indelible mark within the industry, guiding future generations of artists.
