WhyWickedStar Jonathan Bailey Was a No-Show at the 2025 Oscars Despite Film's 10 Nominations

Mar. 15, 2025

Jonathan Bailey at the “Wicked” Los Angeles Premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on November 9, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Jonathan Baileywasn’t dancing his way through to theOscars2025 — but he had a good reason.

The actor’sWickedcostarJeff Goldblumconfirmed toE! Newsthat Bailey, 36, was missing in action at the Academy Awards — despite the film earning 10 nominations — due to a prior work engagement.

“He’s on stage right now in England, doingRichard II,” Goldblum shared. “He’s a masterful, eighth-degree black belt actor.”

He added of theBridgertonstar, “I adore Jonathan Bailey. He’s great in our movie. What a great actor.”

(L-R) Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and Bronwyn James attend the Los Angeles premiere of Universal Pictures “Wicked” at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on November 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

TheThor: Ragnarokactor noted that Bailey’s hard work didn’t end there as he is next slated to lead the newJurassic World Rebirthfilm, which is slated to release in June 2025. He said that his costar had his full support during the release of his new film.

“I’ll be the first person in line to buy tickets. I’ll see it many times,” Goldblum teased to E! News. “AndScarlett Johanssonis in that, too. It’s an all-star lineup together.”

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Wicked: Part Oneearned nominations in 10 categories including Best Supporting Actress, Costume Design and other awards. Many of his costars were in attendance at the show, includingAriana GrandeandCynthia Erivo, both of whom were also nominated for their roles in theWizard of Ozprequel film.

TheFellow Travelersstar has deep theater roots, which also came into play while working onWicked, as he and his costar Grande, 31, reflected on during a joint interview with PEOPLE. “I feel like we were both very theater children in the room,” the actress said. “And we were very giggly together. That was the tough thing with us. We were the giggliest pair.”

Bailey agreed as he said he and Grande were “incessant” on set — but, she felt like their shared energy “carbonated our chemistry.” He added: “It gave us fizz.”

“I channeled many Roys,” he said. “[Richard II] explores inherited power in a very similar way toSuccessionbut also expands on it and takes it to a new level.”

source: people.com