Is Wicked: Part One the Favorite for Best Production Design at the Oscars?

Final voting for the 2025 Oscars are taking place February 11-18, with the ceremony airing live on ABC on March 2nd. Among the hotly contested categories is Best Production Design, and one film seems to be casting a particularly vibrant spell: Wicked: Part One. But is this visually stunning adaptation of the hit Broadway musical a lock for the coveted statuette?

The Oz-ian World of Wicked

Wicked: Part One transports viewers to the Land of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival, exploring the complex origins of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good. The film’s production design, spearheaded by seven-time Oscar nominee Nathan Crowley and set decorator Lee Sandales, is a feast for the eyes. From the vibrant rainbow hues of Munchkinland, boasting an astounding nine million tulips, to the distinctly Italian-inspired architecture of Shiz University, every environment is meticulously crafted. Crowley’s intricate designs extend beyond the landscapes, encompassing fantastical creations like the Emerald City Express, a mechanical automaton, and The Wizard’s imposing mechanical head. This detailed and imaginative world-building has positioned Wicked as the frontrunner in the Best Production Design race.

But is it enough for the film to take home the award? The odds over at betting site 22bet21.com  are listed at 1.45/1 or 69.00%, suggesting it could go either way.

Strong Competition from The Brutalist and Other Nominees

While Wicked may be the favorite, it faces stiff competition from a diverse range of nominees. The Brutalist, a post-Holocaust drama, offers a stark contrast to Oz’s vibrant fantasy. Production designer Judy Becker and set decorator Patricia Cuccia meticulously recreated the minimalist Brutalist architectural style, using concrete and brick to create bold, geometric shapes. The film’s most striking set, The Institute, serves as a powerful symbol of both imprisonment and freedom, echoing the trauma of concentration camps while aspiring to a brighter future. This grounded, meta-architectural approach has generated significant buzz and could potentially upset Wicked‘s chances.

Beyond these two leading contenders, the category also includes Conclave, Dune: Part Two, and Nosferatu. Conclave, set within the Vatican, features meticulously recreated interiors, particularly the Sistine Chapel, showcasing a blend of light and dark, traditional and modern. Dune: Part Two expands upon the visual world of its predecessor, delving deeper into the Fremen and Harkonnen cultures with a vast array of new sets. Finally, Nosferatu offers a gothic horror aesthetic grounded in the architectural authenticity of 19th-century Germany and 15th-century Romania.

The Final Verdict?

Predicting the Oscars is not always easy. While Wicked: Part One‘s vibrant and imaginative world-building makes it a strong contender, The Brutalist‘s powerful and thought-provoking design provides a compelling alternative. The Academy’s ultimate decision will likely hinge on whether they favor the escapism of Oz or the grounded, thematic resonance of The Brutalist. Conclave, Dune: Part Two, and Nosferatu, though less prominently featured in the pre-Oscar discussions, also offer impressive visual achievements that could surprise. Ultimately, the winner will be revealed on March 2nd, and until then, the race for Best Production Design remains a captivating contest.