Wicked and Jack Black Among Big Winners at 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards
The 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards lit up Barker Hangar in Santa Monica last weekend on June 21, 2025, with its blend of star power, slime, and surprises. The night’s biggest wins were were taken by the magical movie production of Wicked and actor/comedian Jack Black, both proving they’ve got serious staying power in the hearts of younger audiences.
Universal’s Wicked won three major categories, including “Favorite Movie,” “Favorite Movie Actress” for Ariana Grande as Glinda, and “Defying Gravity” earned “Favorite Movie Song” for “Defying Gravity.” for the film’s musical number.
The “Favorite Movie” award is voted on the most popular movie, Favorite Movie Actress recognizes for best performance in film, and Favorite Movie Song identifies the most popular song featured in a film, as All of the awards are determined by audience votes. Wicked entered the night with eight nominations and left as one of the most awarded productions of the evening.
Ariana Grande, known globally for her music career, was emotional during her acceptance, thanking fans for being encouraged to be who they are and change things, “bringing a bit of Oz into their hearts.” The film’s vibrant visuals and reimagined characters were loved by audiences, especially younger fans discovering Wicked for the first time outside Broadway.
Comedy icon Jack Black was also honored with the “King of Comedy Award,” a rare silver blimp previously given to stars like Adam Sandler. He accepted the award alongside Nacho Libre co-stars Ana de la Reguera and Héctor Jiménez, and was hilariously drenched in Nickelodeon’s classic green slime moments later.
He also won “Favorite Movie Actor“ for his performance in Minecraft: The Movie, bringing his energy to a new generation. Black’s wins mark a high point in a career that’s spanned everything from rock-and-roll comedies to family-friendly blockbusters—and his KCA moment was a fitting to both his comedic ways and popularity.
In animation, Inside Out 2 claimed Favorite Animated Movie, continuing Pixar’s legacy of emotionally intelligent storytelling. The film’s narrative, engaging characters, and emotional depth connected with audiences and earned it positive reviews. SpongeBob SquarePants took home “Favorite Cartoon“ for the 17th year in a row!
The night also featured Rihanna, who received an ICON Silver Blimp, and a performance by Benny Blanco, and a surprise musical by from Smurfette.
A Bit of History, Tons of Slime
have been a annual unique space where young audiences get the final say. Unlike most awards shows, the KCA celebrates fun, inclusivity, and joy, with a healthy dose of slime each year!
The 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards ceremony featured bold performances, callbacks, and a celebration of fan favorites, both new and legendary. Delivering exactly what viewers enjoy, including excitement, recognition, and the famous green slime that defines Nickelodeon.
