The 2025 Critics Choice Awards red carpet was buzzing with excitement, and among the stars shining brightly was Wicked actor Ethan Slater. Known for his breakout role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical and his upcoming performance in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, Slater took a moment to chat with E! News’ Will Marfuggi about his career, his role in Wicked, and the heartfelt reaction of his girlfriend, pop icon Ariana Grande, to her recent Oscars nomination.
Slater, who looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, couldn’t hide his pride when the conversation turned to Grande’s nomination for Best Original Song at the Oscars. The nomination comes for her emotional ballad “Eternal,” which she co-wrote for the soundtrack of a major film. “Ariana’s reaction was just so beautiful,” Slater shared with a warm smile. “She’s worked so hard on this song, and to see her get recognized in such a big way—it’s truly special. She’s incredibly talented, and I’m just so proud of her.”
Grande, who has seamlessly transitioned from pop stardom to Broadway and now to film, has been a vocal advocate for the importance of storytelling through music. Slater revealed that her dedication to her craft is one of the things he admires most about her. “She pours her heart into everything she does, and it shows,” he said. “When she found out about the nomination, she was just so grateful and humbled. It was a really beautiful moment to witness.”
The couple, who met while working on the Wicked film adaptation, has been a source of fascination for fans. Slater plays Boq, while Grande takes on the iconic role of Glinda. When asked about their experience working together, Slater gushed about the collaborative environment on set. “It’s been such an incredible experience,” he said. “Ariana is not only an amazing performer but also such a supportive and kind person. We’ve both learned so much from each other, and it’s been really special to share this journey.”
As for his own role in Wicked, Slater expressed his excitement about bringing Boq to life on the big screen. “Boq is such a fun and complex character, and getting to explore his story in this adaptation has been a dream come true,” he said. “The film is going to be something really special, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
The conversation also touched on Slater’s journey in the entertainment industry, from his early days on Broadway to his transition to film. “I feel so lucky to be where I am,” he reflected. “Every role feels like a new adventure, and I’m just grateful to be doing what I love.”
As the interview wrapped up, Slater shared his excitement for the night ahead at the Critics Choice Awards, where Wicked is nominated in several categories. “It’s such an honor to be here and to celebrate all the incredible work that’s been done this year,” he said. “I’m just really looking forward to enjoying the night and celebrating with everyone.”
Ethan Slater’s red carpet appearance was a perfect blend of humility, pride, and excitement for the future. Whether he’s celebrating Ariana Grande’s Oscars nomination or gearing up for the release of Wicked, Slater continues to prove that he’s a rising star with a bright future ahead. Fans can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented duo, both on and off the screen.
