Cynthia Erivo thinks winning an Oscar would be life-changing

She told Access Hollywood: "It's insane. It would change a big deal of things, and I think it would certainly be a dream come true. There's a lot of people in that echelon who I look up to so to join them would be really wonderful, yeah."

The former Broadway star faces competition from Karla Sofía Gascón for 'Emilia Pérez' Mikey Madison for 'Anora' as well as Demi Moore 'The Substance' and Fernanda Torres for 'I'm Still Here'.

In 'Wicked' - which is the unofficial prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz' - Cynthia stars opposite Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, and is thrilled that the pop singer has also received a nod for Best Supporting Actress.

She said: "My baby girl got nominated, I'm so pleased for her. I'm so proud of her. She worked her a*** off and it's wonderful to see all of this happening. It's awesome."

It has been rumoured that Cynthia will open the Oscars ceremony - which takes place on Monday 3 March - with a performance of one of the musical's famous numbers but she refused to confirm or deny whether that is true, although she would love to have the opportunity to do so.

She said: "I don't know where you're hearing that from, I cannot even tell you. It would be lovely, but who knows?"