Paul Tazewell, winner of the award for best costume design for ‘Wicked,’ posing at the Oscars on Sunday, March, 02, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in L.A. (AP Photo)
Paul Tazewell has made history by becoming the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. His remarkable work on Wicked earned him this prestigious honor at the 97th Academy Awards.
This marks Tazewell’s first Oscar win and second nomination. Previously, he was recognized for his outstanding designs in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Emotional Acceptance Speech of Paul Tazewell
During his acceptance speech, Tazewell acknowledged the significance of his win. He received multiple standing ovations as he proudly declared, “I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award. I’m so proud of this.”
Backstage, he shared how deeply this moment resonated with him. “I've been designing costumes for over 35 years—on Broadway and now in film. Growing up, I never saw a Black male designer I could look up to. But now, I realize that inspiration can be me.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Tazewell’s Oscar win follows a string of accolades, including awards from BAFTA, Critics Choice, and the Costume Designers Guild. He becomes only the second Black person to win in this category, following Ruth E. Carter’s historic victory in 2018 for Black Panther. Carter went on to break another barrier in 2023 as the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards.
Recognizing Carter’s contributions, Tazewell said, “She has paved the way for designers of color.”
Gratitude to Wicked Stars
In his heartfelt speech, Tazewell expressed his appreciation for Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. “To my muses, Cynthia and Ariana, and the entire cast—thank you for trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This is everything.”
A Storied Career
Tazewell’s journey to the Oscars has been marked by extraordinary achievements. In 2018, he won an Emmy for The Wiz Live!, and he previously claimed a Tony Award for Hamilton. His impressive career spans both theater and film, with notable projects including The Color Purple, In the Heights, MJ the Musical, Suffs, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
His collaboration with Cynthia Erivo extends beyond Wicked—he also designed costumes for the 2019 film Harriet, marking his first feature film project.
Inspiring Future Generations
With this historic win, Tazewell hopes to inspire aspiring Black costume designers. His journey serves as a testament to perseverance and talent, proving that barriers can be broken with dedication and passion.
