Wicked Snubbed, Zendaya Robbed: The Oscars’ Genre Bias | Hot Vocal Take

Are the Oscars still biased against genre films? From Wicked to Zendaya, this Hot Vocal Take breaks down why musicals, fantasy, and horror keep getting sidelined.

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Full Show Notes:

On this episode of The Vocalizers Podcast, we break down why Wicked was largely snubbed by the Academy and what that says about the Oscars’ long-standing bias toward traditional prestige drama.

We examine Zendaya’s awards-season recognition at the Golden Globes versus her absence from the Oscar conversation, and how that contrast reflects a larger pattern affecting genre performances. The episode also looks at notable past examples, including Lupita Nyong’o’s performance in Us, and why genre films are often acknowledged but rarely rewarded at the highest level.

We discuss whether spectacle, music, fantasy, and horror are still taken less seriously by Oscar voters — and why year after year, the same kinds of films dominate the conversation.

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This episode covers Oscars snubs, genre bias, Wicked: For Good, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Challengers, and how awards recognition continues to shape modern film culture.