Ethan Slater’s Bold Love Declaration After Ariana Grande’s Big Oscar Nomination

Ethan Slater has expressed his unwavering pride for his girlfriend, Ariana Grande, after she received her first-ever Oscar nomination for her role in Wicked. The couple, who began dating in 2023 after meeting on set of the blockbuster film, have been publicly supportive of each other. Ariana earned a nomination for Best Actress, while her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, was also nominated for her outstanding performance.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Ethan Slater shared his overwhelming pride in Ariana and Cynthia’s hard work, both in their performances and the film’s promotional efforts. “I’m unbelievably proud of her. She worked so hard. She and Cynthia worked so unbelievably hard to not only make this movie and be the best versions of Glinda and Elphaba but to promote it. They’re incredible,” he gushed, adding, “I’m unendingly proud.”

Ariana Grande Shines in Wicked: Oscar Nomination, Sequel Teases, and Emotional Gratitude

Wicked, the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical, has not only mesmerized audiences worldwide but also secured an impressive 10 Oscar nominations. The film’s enchanting blend of fantasy, music, and deep emotional storytelling has made it a standout in this year’s awards season. Among the nominations, Ariana Grande, who brought the bubbly and complex character of Glinda to life, is vying for Best Supporting Actress—a nod that has delighted her fans and critics alike.

Ethan Slater, who portrayed Boq in the film, offered a glimpse into what audiences can expect from the sequel, Wicked Part Two. He hinted that the upcoming installment would delve even deeper into the story’s emotional layers, showcasing the profound performances of both Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba. “Ari in particular, her comedy is so good, and yet there’s a real truth and grounding to it,” Slater said. “I think what might surprise people is how far that goes in such a beautiful way.” His comments have only heightened anticipation, suggesting that the sequel will not only build on the whimsical charm of the first film but also explore more profound themes of identity, acceptance, and redemption.

As Grande prepares to compete in the highly competitive Best Supporting Actress category, she faces formidable contenders, including Felicity Jones and Zoe Saldana. Despite the stiff competition, Grande’s transformative performance as Glinda has been widely praised, not only for her comedic timing but also for the genuine warmth and vulnerability she brought to the character. Ethan Slater described it as “special” to witness her on set, emphasizing her dedication and authenticity in every scene.

Upon learning of her Oscar nomination, Grande took to Instagram with an emotional post, expressing her gratitude. “This recognition is unfathomable,” she wrote. “Thank you to The Academy for this honor, and thank you to the incredible Wicked family for making this journey a dream come true.” Her heartfelt message resonated with her millions of followers, many of whom flooded the comments with support and encouragement.

With Wicked Part Two on the horizon and the Oscars quickly approaching, all eyes are on Ariana Grande as she continues to enchant both on screen and off. Whether or not she takes home the coveted trophy, her performance has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, setting a high bar for future adaptations of this beloved story.

In her heartfelt message, Ariana also paid tribute to her co-stars and director Jon Chu. “I am so proud of my beautiful Wicked family,” she wrote, adding, “I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo.” She also took a moment to reflect on her childhood, recalling how she once watched The Wizard of Oz as a young girl, imagining herself in Judy Garland’s iconic role. Her words demonstrated her deep appreciation for the role and the journey that has led to her historic Oscar nomination.

However, Ariana and Ethan’s relationship has attracted attention due to the timing of their romance, which coincided with both of their divorces. Ariana ended her marriage to Dalton Gomez in 2023, while Ethan, who shares a son with his ex-wife Lilly Jay, also experienced a public split. Lilly, in a candid essay for The Cut, opened up about the heartbreak she felt as her marriage unraveled and how the end of her relationship with Ethan coincided with his new romance with Ariana.

The essay revealed that Lily had moved to London with their baby while Ethan filmed Wicked, only to later discover that their relationship had come to an end when he became involved with Ariana. In her essay, Lilly reflected on the challenges of dealing with postpartum depression and the public nature of her divorce. She expressed her shock and sadness over the breakdown of her marriage, especially given that it occurred shortly after she gave birth to their child. While she did not publicly criticize Ethan, she acknowledged the pain she experienced during this difficult period.

A source close to Ethan and Ariana revealed that both were relieved that Lilly did not “throw them under the bus” in her essay. However, fans on social media expressed their disappointment over Ethan’s treatment of his ex-wife. Some criticized him for leaving Lilly during such a vulnerable time, while others sympathized with her as she navigated the aftermath of her public divorce.

Despite the backlash, Ethan and Ariana’s relationship continues to evolve, and the couple seems determined to focus on their shared future. Ethan has expressed excitement about the year ahead and his pride in Ariana’s Oscar nomination. As their personal lives unfold, both Ethan and Ariana are learning to navigate public scrutiny while celebrating their professional successes.

The Oscar nominations and Wicked’s success mark a significant milestone in Ariana’s career, and Ethan’s support for her reflects the couple’s close bond. While their relationship may have sparked controversy, it is clear that they are both focused on their respective careers and building a future together. The upcoming Oscars ceremony will be a moment to celebrate their hard work and dedication to their craft, with the spotlight shining brightly on both of them.