The Oscars are just around the corner, but while everyone’s buzzing about Best Picture and Director, there’s a controversial decision brewing behind the scenes: the best cast among the 10 films on the Oscar shortlist. And here’s the kicker—this is the first time the category has been put to a vote! Among the names on the shortlist is Bernie Telsey, who, alongside Tiffany Little Canfield, cast the highly anticipated Wicked two-parter. But why did it take so long for casting directors to get this recognition? This is the part most people miss: the private, behind-closed-doors nature of their work. Auditions are confidential, and explaining the intricacies of casting isn’t straightforward. It’s a process shrouded in mystery, making it hard to advocate for recognition. But once the Academy understood the depth of their work, thanks to advocates like Telsey, the category was finally embraced.
Telsey and Canfield recently sat down to shed light on their journey with Wicked, a project they’ve been involved with for nearly 24 years. From the early days in San Francisco to the Broadway stage and now the big screen, their collaboration with producer Marc Platt and composer Stephen Schwartz has been nothing short of monumental. But here’s where it gets controversial: casting for the film wasn’t just about transferring stage talent to screen. It required a completely new approach. And this is the part most people miss: while stage performers are trained to project to the back row, on-camera acting demands an internal, subtle intensity. Even seasoned Broadway stars had to prove they could make the leap.
Take Ariana Grande, for instance. While her casting as Glinda (or Galinda) raised eyebrows initially, Telsey and Canfield saw something special. Boldly, they invited her to audition multiple times, and she blew them away with her dedication and growth. But it wasn’t just about her pop star status—it was about her ability to embody the character’s humor, vulnerability, and dramatic depth. Here’s the thought-provoking question: Can a pop star truly transform into a compelling dramatic actress? The answer, in Grande’s case, is a resounding yes.
Similarly, Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Elphaba wasn’t without its doubts. While her talent was undeniable, there were questions about whether she could capture the character’s early vulnerability. But when she walked into the room, something magical happened. She wasn’t just acting—she became Elphaba, leaving the casting directors in awe. And this is the part most people miss: Erivo’s ability to connect with the character’s journey, from awkward college student to powerful witch, was rooted in her own experiences as a performer who had to hide her love for musical theater.
The casting process for Wicked was a masterclass in inclusivity and authenticity. For the role of Nessarose, they sought an actor who uses a wheelchair in real life, a decision that sparked debate about representation in Hollywood. Here’s the controversial take: While some might argue that such specific casting limits options, Telsey and Canfield believe it opens doors for underrepresented talent. They created a safe, encouraging environment for auditions, ensuring every performer felt valued and capable of landing the role.
From Jeff Goldblum’s elegant portrayal of Madame Morrible to Ethan Slater’s transformative performance as Boq, every casting choice was deliberate and impactful. But here’s the question that divides opinions: Is it better to cast big names or take a chance on lesser-known talent? Telsey and Canfield’s approach was to blend both, creating a cast that felt both familiar and fresh.
As the film prepares to hit screens, one thing is clear: Wicked isn’t just a musical—it’s a testament to the power of casting. And this is the part most people miss: behind every iconic performance is a team of casting directors who dared to see beyond the obvious. So, the next time you watch a film, ask yourself: Who’s the real magic behind the curtain? What do you think—does casting deserve more recognition, or is it just another behind-the-scenes job?
