I met Cynthia and Ariana at theAcademy Galavery briefly, and Ive seen the film, he toldAttitude.

I think theyre both extraordinary.

And Im a musical theater guy, Im a big advocate for that film.

Paul Mescal in ‘Gladiator II’; Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in ‘Wicked’

‘Gladiator II’ star Paul Mescal is a ‘Wicked’ fan.Warner Bros./Universal

[Barbenheimer] was an amazing thing for cinema in general.

So, if you like cinema, support it.

Breakingmultiple box office records,Wickedhad a$164.2 million worldwide opening.

Cynthia Erivo Oscar nomination reaction

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked’Universal Pictures/Everett Collection

Meanwhile,Gladiator IImade $221 million after an overseas head start.