"I wish people understood just how much work has to go into creating a big, giant behemoth like Wicked," Erivo said. "None of that can happen without his vision. It just isn't possible"

Despite a big Oscar nominations morning, the director and the film’s writers Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox were shut out from the directing and writing categories.

The Palo Alto-born director had a lot to celebrate Thursday morning after his musical fantasy film scored a nomination for the top prize at the Academy Awards.