Paul Tazewell has made history at the 2025 Academy Awards, becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. Tazewell earned the prestigious honor for his work on Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The award, presented during the 97th annual Academy Awards on March 2, marks a significant milestone in Tazewell’s career and in the history of the Oscars.
“This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honor,” Tazewell, 60, said in his acceptance speech. “I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on Wicked. I’m so proud of this.”
Tazewell’s win comes just a few years after Ruth E. Carter made history as the first Black person to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. Carter received the award for her groundbreaking work on Black Panther (2018) and later took home the trophy again for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Tazewell’s victory signals a continued shift toward greater diversity in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of Carter’s groundbreaking achievements.
This year, Tazewell faced stiff competition in the Best Costume Design category, with other nominees including Arianne Phillips (A Complete Unknown), Janty Yates and David Crossman (Gladiator II), Lisy Christl (Conclave), and Linda Muir (Nosferatu). Despite the strong field, Tazewell’s visionary work on Wicked earned him the win, underscoring his mastery in bringing larger-than-life characters to the screen through wardrobe design.
Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, is one of the most highly anticipated films in recent years. Tazewell’s costumes are a central element of the film’s visual storytelling, from the iconic green of Elphaba’s (played by Cynthia Erivo) ensemble to the sparkling pinks and blues of Glinda’s (Ariana Grande) outfits. Tazewell’s work is said to involve over 1,000 costume pieces, not only for Wicked but also for its sequel, Wicked: Part Two, which is currently in production. The film’s costumes have already garnered significant attention for their intricate design and their ability to reflect the personalities and journeys of the characters.
Tazewell’s success at the Oscars is not his first major recognition. His work on Wicked has already earned him multiple accolades, including wins at the Critics Choice Awards, the Costume Designers Guild Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). These honors have further cemented his status as one of the leading figures in costume design.
Speaking with KABC earlier in February, Tazewell reflected on the significance of his work being recognized by such esteemed institutions. “It means everything,” he said. “To have that acknowledgment, to have that approval by so many greats in our industry, it just means the world.”
Tazewell’s career has spanned several decades and includes notable work on films like Harriet (2019) and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). His costumes in Wicked and beyond showcase his ability to blend artistry with storytelling, using fabric and design to convey complex emotions and themes.
“I want to touch hearts, I want to change lives, I want to make a difference,” Tazewell told KABC. “And my power, my medium in doing that, is costume design. I’m passionate about it.” His passion for his craft and his belief in its ability to shape the way audiences engage with a story has driven his success in the field.
Tazewell’s nomination for Best Costume Design at the Oscars came as part of a significant year for Wicked, which earned a total of 10 nominations across multiple categories. These included Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande. Tazewell’s win further solidifies the film’s position as a major contender this award season.
In a celebratory Instagram post after his BAFTA win, Tazewell expressed his “immense gratitude” for his Wicked team and collaborators. “My deepest thanks also to Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt for turning these cinematic dreams into reality. Thank you for welcoming me into the Wicked family,” Tazewell wrote. He also extended his appreciation to audiences who have embraced the intricate details of the film’s costumes. “Your recognition makes this journey even more rewarding,” he added.
The Oscar win for Tazewell is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of representation for the Black community in Hollywood. His achievement adds to a growing list of Black creatives making history at the Academy Awards, further contributing to the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
As Tazewell continues to push the boundaries of costume design, his work on Wicked remains a testament to his dedication to his craft. Whether through the iconic costumes of Glinda and Elphaba or the hundreds of other characters that populate the film, Tazewell’s designs have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. His Oscar win is just one more chapter in a career that has already redefined what it means to use fashion as a tool for storytelling.
Fans and industry peers alike are sure to be watching closely as Tazewell continues to make his mark on Hollywood, with his upcoming work in Wicked: Part Two sure to be as groundbreaking as his Oscar-winning costumes in the first film.
