Paul Tazewell Makes Oscar History With Wicked Costume Design
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3, 2025 – Paul Tazewell achieved a historic milestone at the 97th Academy Awards, claiming his first Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on the hit film Wicked.
This victory not only celebrates his exceptional talent but also marks a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood history, as Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category.
A Landmark Achievement
Tazewell’s designs for Wicked brought the enchanting world of Elphaba and Glinda to life, with costumes that seamlessly blends fantasy and elegance. His breathtaking work was a standout at the ceremony, and his win was met with overwhelming applause.
In his acceptance speech, Tazewell expressed his pride, saying, “This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honor. I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on Wicked.”
Tazewell’s achievement echoes the groundbreaking work of Ruth E. Carter, who became the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design in 2019 for Black Panther. The two designers now share an important legacy in the film industry.
Designing A Legacy
Before this Oscar win, Tazewell had already proven himself as a force in the world of costume design. The Ohio native rose to prominence with his work on Hamilton, for which he won a Tony Award, and The Wiz Live!, which earned him an Emmy Award. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 2022 for his costumes in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Tazewell’s diverse body of work demonstrates his ability to create unforgettable, iconic designs across a variety of genres.
His triumph with Wicked was a deserved pinnacle of nearly four decades in the industry, where he has consistently pushed boundaries and elevated the art of costume design. Following the ceremony, Tazewell reflected on his journey, noting, “There was never a Black male designer I could follow or look to for inspiration. To realize that… that’s actually me, it becomes a ‘Wizard of Oz’ moment.”
A Night to Remember
While Tazewell’s win was a highlight, the 2025 Academy Awards celebrated shared success across several films, including Wicked and Dune: Part Two. Wicked star Bowen Yang introduced the costume design category with humor, praising Tazewell’s exquisite work.
The night also featured a spectacular duet of “Defying Gravity” by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, opening the ceremony with an unforgettable performance.
Paving the Way Forward
With his Oscar win, Paul Tazewell has solidified his place among Hollywood’s most distinguished costume designers. His groundbreaking achievement not only recognizes his immense talent but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of Black creatives in the industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of costume design, Tazewell’s influence on cinema will undoubtedly continue to resonate.
