LOS ANGELES — Paul Tazewell achieved a significant milestone at the Oscars by becoming the first Black man to claim the award for best costume design. His exceptional work on “Wicked” was recognized at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, marking his inaugural win in this category, following a previous nomination for his involvement in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”
During his acceptance speech, which was greeted with standing ovations, Tazewell expressed his pride in being the first Black recipient of the costume design award. “I’m so proud of this moment,” he said, reflecting on the achievement.
Speaking backstage, Tazewell described this accolade as the zenith of his career. He mentioned feeling honored to inspire aspiring Black men interested in pursuing costume design, a field he has dedicated over 35 years to, with backgrounds ranging from Broadway to the film industry. “There was never a Black male designer I could look up to for inspiration. To realize now that it’s actually me, is incredible,” he shared.
Before his Oscar victory, Tazewell had already garnered awards from the BAFTA, Critics Choice, and Costume Designers Guild. He is the second Black person to win this Oscar category, following Ruth E. Carter, who became the first African American to win for her work on “Black Panther” in 2018. Carter later became the first Black woman to win two Oscars in 2023.
“She has paved the way for designers of color,” Tazewell noted, acknowledging Carter’s trailblazing impact.
In his heartfelt thanks, Tazewell expressed gratitude towards “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. “To my muses, Cynthia and Ariana and all the other cast, thank you for trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This means everything to me,” he said.
Tazewell’s illustrious career includes an Emmy award in 2018 for his costume designs on “The Wiz Live!” and a Tony for “Hamilton.” His collaboration with Cynthia Erivo on the 2019 movie “Harriet” marked his first feature film endeavor. Throughout his career, Tazewell has accumulated nine Tony nominations, branching out from theater productions such as “The Color Purple,” “In the Heights,” “MJ the Musical,” “Suffs,” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
