Paul Tazewell has cemented his name in history with a groundbreaking win at the 97th Academy Awards. 

The celebrated costume designer took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked, 

making him the first Black man to ever receive the prestigious honor in this category.

A Historic Win

Tazewell, 60, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, to accept his award, marking a significant milestone in his career and the industry. 

In his heartfelt speech, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the significance of the moment.

“This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honor,” he said. “I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on Wicked. I’m so proud of this.”

Tazewell took a moment to thank his family, his team in the U.K., and the cast of the film, particularly its leading stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

“My Ozian muses, Cynthia and Ariana, I love you so much,” he continued. “All the other cast, thank you, thank you, thank you, for trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This is everything.” He also expressed appreciation for Wicked director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt, crediting them for bringing the musical’s cinematic vision to life.

A Legacy of Excellence

Tazewell’s victory follows in the footsteps of Ruth E. Carter, who became the first Black person to win Best Costume Design at the Oscars for Black Panther in 2018 and won again in 2022 for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His win adds to a growing legacy of diversity and representation in the film industry’s most prestigious awards.

The competition in the Best Costume Design category this year was fierce, with nominees including Arianne Phillips for A Complete Unknown, Janty Yates and David Crossman for Gladiator II, Lisy Christl for Conclave, and Linda Muir for Nosferatu.

Tazewell’s work on Wicked had already earned him numerous accolades before the Oscars, including wins at the Critics Choice Awards, Costume Designers Guild Awards, British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), and the British Academy Film Awards.

Crafting the World of Wicked

Tazewell’s work on Wicked involved designing an extensive collection of costumes, creating over 1,000 unique pieces to bring the world of Oz to life. His designs captured the magic and fantasy of the story while staying true to the essence of the beloved Broadway production. His contributions will also be seen in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: Part Two.

Speaking about his experience designing costumes for the film, Tazewell shared how much the recognition means to him.

“It really does mean the world to have that acknowledgment, to have that approval by so many greats in our industry,” he said. “I want to touch hearts, change lives, and make a difference. My power, my medium in doing that, is costume design, and I’m passionate about it.”

A Career Marked by Creativity

Before Wicked, Tazewell had already established himself as one of the most talented costume designers in the industry. His past work includes designing costumes for Harriet (2019) and West Side Story (2021). He also gained recognition for his work on Hamilton, which earned him a Tony Award.

His nomination for Wicked was one of 10 Oscar nominations the film received this year, tying for the second-most nominations alongside The Brutalist, and trailing only Emilia Pérez, which led with 13. In addition to Best Costume Design, Wicked was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo), and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande), among others.

Celebrating a Milestone Moment

Following his Oscar win, Tazewell took to social media to share his appreciation for his team and the fans who have supported his work.

“My deepest thanks to Wicked’s dedicated costume team,” he wrote. “My immense gratitude also goes to Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt for turning these cinematic dreams into reality. Thank you for welcoming me into the Wicked family. To everyone who has watched the film and appreciated the intricate details of our work—your recognition makes this journey even more rewarding!”

As he continues to make waves in the industry, Tazewell’s historic win is a reminder of the power of artistry, dedication, and representation in Hollywood. With his groundbreaking achievement, he has not only secured his place in Oscar history but has also paved the way for future generations of designers to follow in his footsteps.

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