Wicked's Paul Tazewell Makes History as First Black Man to Win Best Costume Design at Oscars: 'I'm So Proud of This'

Mar. 15, 2025

Paul Tazewellis going down inOscarshistory!

The costume designer behind the fantastical wardrobe ofWickedwon the Oscar for Best Costume Design on Sunday, March 2 at the 97thAcademy Awards, becoming the first Black man to take home the trophy.

Paul Tazewell on March 2, 2025.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

“This is absolutely astounding. Thank you Academy for this very significant honor,” Tazewell, 60, said during his speech. “I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work onWicked. I’m so proud of this.”

“Thank you everyone in the U.K. for all of your beautiful work, I could not have done this without you,” Tazewell added in his speech, after thanking his family. “My Ozian muses, Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande], I love you so much - all the other cast, thank you thank you thank you, for trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This is everything. Director Jon M. Chu and producer [Marc Platt], thank you.”

Paul Tazewell on March 2, 2025.PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

Tazewell’s win comes just years afterRuth E. Carterbecame the first Black person to score the Best Costume Design trophy, which she first did for 2018’sBlack Pantherbefore winning again for 2022’sBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Other nominees in the category this year included Arianne Phillips (A Complete Unknown), Janty Yates and David Crossman (Gladiator II), Lisy Christl (Conclave) and Linda Muir (Nosforatu).

Tazewell’s work inWickedhas already earned him wins at the Critics Choice Awards, Costume Designers Guild Awards, British Academy Film Awards and the BAFTAs.

Speaking with ABC affiliateKABCearlier this month, Tazewell said his latest recognition “means everything.” The costume designer’s work in the film ranged from Glinda and Elphaba’s memorable looks to over 1,000 overall pieces in bothWickedand its forthcomingWicked: Part Twofollow-up film, perTeen Vogue.

Before joiningWicked, his recent work has also included costume design for 2019’sHarrietand 2021’sWest Side Story.

“I want to touch hearts, want to change lives, I want to make a difference and my power, my medium in doing that, is costume design and I’m passionate about it,” he added. “I hold to that, and I know that I’m good at doing that, and that makes me feel good.”

Paul Tazewell on March 7, 2022.Neilson Barnard/Getty

Neilson Barnard/Getty

Tazewell’snomination back in Januarycame asWickedearned 10 total nominations at the Oscars, tying for second-most nods this year withThe Brutalist, behind onlyEmilia Pérez(13 nominations).Wickedalso earned nods in the Best Picture, Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo) and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande) categories.

After winning big at the BAFTAs, Tazewell shared his “immense gratitude” forWicked’s “dedicated costume team” in a celebratoryInstagramcaption.

“My deepest thanks also to Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt for turning these cinematic dreams into reality. Thank you for welcoming me into theWickedfamily,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has watched the film and appreciated the intricate details of our work. Your recognition makes this journey even more rewarding!”

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source: people.com