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Lorna Luft, the daughter of the legendary Judy Garland, was overcome with emotion during the 2025 Academy Awards\u2019 heartfelt homage to The Wizard of Oz<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tribute, which featured a medley from the highly anticipated Wicked<\/em> adaptation, included a poignant performance by Ariana Grande, who sang the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The song, originally performed by Garland in her iconic role as Dorothy in the 1939 cinematic masterpiece, holds a special place in the hearts of fans and the Garland family alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, March 3, the 72-year-old Luft expressed her gratitude for the touching tribute. “Thank you to @arianagrande, @cynthiaerivo, & @theacademy for honoring my mother’s memory so beautifully,” she wrote. “Myself and my family are very grateful.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n She concluded her message with a heartfelt sign-off, “All Love, Lorna,” accompanied by a heart emoji, encapsulating the depth of her appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wicked<\/em> medley, which opened the 2025 Oscars ceremony, showcased Grande in her role as Glinda, the Good Witch, from the 2024 musical adaptation. Grande\u2019s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was a nostalgic nod to Garland\u2019s unforgettable performance, evoking a sense of reverence for the original film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adding to the homage, Grande\u2019s ensemble paid subtle tribute to Dorothy\u2019s iconic ruby slippers. The singer donned a dazzling ruby-red gown, meticulously crafted by designer Daniel Roseberry, featuring 150,000 Siam sequins. The dress, complete with a cascading tulle skirt and matching ruby heels adorned with bows, was a visual masterpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A striking detail on the back of the gown\u2014a tonal 3D trompe l\u2019oeil shoe placed between her shoulder blades\u2014added a whimsical touch, further honoring Garland\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba in Wicked<\/em>, delivered a powerful performance of “Home” from the 1975 Broadway production The Wiz<\/em>. Erivo\u2019s strapless gown mirrored the one worn by Diana Ross in the 1978 film adaptation of the musical, creating a seamless connection between the past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following their individual performances, Erivo and Grande joined forces to perform “Defying Gravity,” the show-stopping number that concludes the first act of Wicked<\/em>. Grande gracefully stepped aside during the final high notes, allowing Erivo to shine in a moment of vocal brilliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both actresses received Academy Award nominations for their roles in Wicked<\/em>, which garnered a total of 10 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The film secured two Oscars that evening: Best Costume Design for Paul Tazewell and Best Production Design for Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tazewell\u2019s win marked a historic moment, as he became the first Black man to receive an Oscar in the Best Costume Design category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wicked<\/em> is now available for purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+, with streaming set to begin on Peacock on March 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The film\u2019s success and the Academy Awards\u2019 tribute have not only celebrated the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz<\/em> but also highlighted the profound impact of Judy Garland\u2019s contributions to cinema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n