Cynthia Erivo to be Honored at London Critics’ Circle Film Awards

Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked: For Good, will be honored at the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation.

She will become the third recipient of the award, named in memory of critic Derek Malcolm, who died at 91 in August 2023. Colman Domingo was the inaugural recipient in 2024, while Avatar star Zoe Saldaña was honored earlier this year.

“I am so deeply honored to accept the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation and to be recognized in this capacity by the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and one who has championed me throughout my career,” said Erivo. “This has been an incredible year for film, and having the opportunity to bring Elphaba, the embodiment of a trailblazer, to the screen has been one of my greatest privileges.”

It has been an especially productive and busy year for Erivo. She released her second studio album, I Forgive You, which earned a Grammy nomination for the single “Be Okay,” and published the New York Times bestselling book Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much. In addition, Wicked: For Good premiered this year, marking her second turn as Elphaba and a historic milestone, as Erivo became the first Black actress to receive two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for the same role.

Jane Crowther, Chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle said, “We’re so thrilled to give Cynthia this honor in recognition of her innovative work telling stories that illuminate, inspire and challenge audiences. She defies expectations across music, film and the stage.”

The winners in all categories of the 46th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards will be announced at The May Fair in London on 1 February 2026 during a ceremony hosted by critic Mark Kermode.