Ethan Slater Reveals Ariana Grande's Emotional Reaction to Oscar Noms

What is this feeling? Gratitude.

At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, Ethan Slater (who played Wicked) strolled down the red carpet on February 7th. He talked about the wave of gratitude Ariana Grande has received following her recent Oscar nomination.

He mentioned to TopMob News reporter Will Marfuggi that she’s been heavily promoting the movie, so he believes you’ve likely watched the touching scenes featuring her crying. He added that this part is quite moving and lovely.

It’s not a surprise that Ariana, who started dating Ethan back in 2023, has been moved to tears by the accolades her and the entire Wicked team have garnered, with a grand total of 11 Critics Choice Awards nominations.

In the midst of my tears, I wanted to express a heartfelt thank you to @theacademy for this overwhelming recognition that came my way following my Oscar nomination. I can’t seem to stop crying, as it turns out, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. I feel deeply humbled and honored to be part of such an illustrious group, and even more so to share this incredible moment with my tiny daughter Ari, who was engrossed in studying Judy Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” just before our magical bubble burst open.

As a devoted admirer, I’m not merely elated about my own recognition. Instead, I share the same level of excitement for my costar, the exceptionally talented Cynthia Erivo, who has been nominated for both a Critics Choice Award and an Oscar in the Best Actress category.

Ariana expressed her immense pride in her sister Elphie, affectionately known as @cynthiaerivo. Her intelligence is boundless, and she truly deserves all the beautiful tulips in every garden. My admiration for her knows no bounds, it’s constant,” Ariana said.

After the revelation in January, Ari has provided further details about her feelings upon receiving her first Academy Award nomination, as well as the nine other nominations received by the team behind Wicked.

She remarked, during her February 5th interview on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’, that the experience was remarkably strange. She was watching a live stream and Bowen Yang was making announcements. It was thrilling! Being in London, she watched as they started announcing our entire ‘Wicked’ cast. As soon as they began naming us, she broke down in tears because she adores our ‘Wicked’ family so dearly.

She added, “But when they announced mine, I was a mess. I almost collapsed.”

Keep reading to see who else is attended the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.

After the announcement in January, Ari has shared additional details about her feelings upon receiving her first Academy Award nomination, along with the nine other nominations earned by the team behind Wicked.

She expressed that the experience was incredibly strange, during her Feb. 5 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Bowen Yang was making the announcements and it was electrifying,” she said. “I was in London, watching the live stream, and as soon as they started naming our Wicked team, I couldn’t help but cry because I hold our Wicked family so dear.

She added, “But when they announced mine, I was a mess. I almost collapsed.”

Keep reading to see who else is attended the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.