Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Congratulations are in order for Cynthia Erivo!
Since the early 2010s, the multi-hyphenate artist has captivated audiences with her incredible voice and showstopping performances across film, TV, the West End, and Broadway.
However, 2025 has been especially remarkable for Erivo, who has stayed booked and busy throughout the year.
From earning universal acclaim for her portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: For Good to receiving multiple Grammy nominations and releasing a New York Times best-selling book, the 38-year-old talent has reached incredible new heights of success—and rightfully so!
In recognition of her inspiring year, the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards named Erivo the third recipient of the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation.
The Tony-winning actor follows in the footsteps of stars such as Zoe Saldaña and Colman Domingo.
“I am so deeply honoured to accept the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation and to be recognised in this capacity by the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and one who has championed me throughout my career,” Erivo said in a statement.
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“This has been an incredible year for film, and having the opportunity to bring Elphaba, the embodiment of a trailblazer, to the screen has been one of my greatest privileges,” Erivo said.
In a separate statement, Jane Crowther, chair of the London Film Critics, praised Erivo for her “innovative work telling stories that illuminate, inspire and challenge audiences.”
“She defies expectations across music, film, and the stage,” Crowther added.
Erivo’s latest achievement comes just weeks after she made Golden Globes history with her nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Wicked: For Good.
The remarkable milestone makes her the first Black woman to earn two nominations in the category, having previously been recognized for her 2024 performance in Wicked.
Photo: Universal Studios
Shortly after the news broke, the Poker Face star shared her excitement on Instagram Stories.
“WOW! What lovely news to receive live from the rehearsal room of @draculawestend. It’s an honour to be nominated once again for this film. It has been a beautiful journey to play this character, and this is the cherry on top,” she wrote.
“This entire journey could never have been possible without the wonderful leadership of my brother and glorious director John M. Chu, and producer extraordinaire everyone could only wish for, Mare Platt.”
In a separate statement to Deadline, Erivo highlighted the importance of ensuring that this historic achievement extends beyond her own career.
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“It’s amazing, but also let’s make sure that it doesn’t stay that way. Let’s make sure that more Black women are nominated in this category [Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy]. Being the first is always wonderful, but let’s make sure I’m not the last,” she exclaimed.
While Erivo’s Wicked era has wrapped, 2026 is already shaping up to be a busy and thrilling year for the multi-hyphenate star.
In February, the Outsider actor will take on the role of Dracula — along with 22 supporting characters — in a one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel.
For more information about the show, click here.
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