Paul Tazewell Becomes the First Black Man to Win Oscar for Best Costume Design
Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design at the ninety-seventh annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 2.
Tazewell’s work on Wicked beat fellow designers Linda Muir, Arianne Phillips, Lisy Christl, Janty Yates, and Dave Crossman in a highly competitive race. But before his name was announced, Bowen Yang gave a short tribute to the legendary designer.
Join us in congratulating our inimitable costume designer, Paul Tazewell on winning an Academy Award! #HamFam pic.twitter.com/Uak2g8NOq5
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) March 3, 2025
“To be costumed by the great Paul Tazewell is one of the greatest honors of my alleged career,” Yang jokingly claimed. “Paul, I am upset with you because I can’t talk about your exquisite work, which sounds like a total jacka**.”
The 34-year-old comedian added. “I don’t want to be the type of person who says ‘Elphaba’s costuming tells a story,’ but I have to because it does because of your legend. Paul, how dare you for being such a one-of-a-kind talent. I love you so much.”
Following the heartfelt speech, Tazewell heard his name called and made his way to center stage, where he hugged Yang before beginning his acceptance speech.
“This is outstanding. Thank you, academy, for this very significant honor,” the 60-year-old designer explained. “I am the first black man to receive the Customs Design Award for my work on Wicked.”
The statement was immediately met by an enormous standing ovation from the crowd as some cheered and others yelled, bravo.
Paul Tazewell just made Oscars history! As the first Black man to win Best Costume Design, his stunning work in Wicked has set a new standard. Representation matters, and his artistry is shaping the future of film. Huge congratulations! pic.twitter.com/ffJ8bG3Ocg
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) March 3, 2025
“I am so proud of this; thank you, Mom and Emma, so much. Thank you, everyone, in the UK, for all your beautiful work. I couldn’t have done this without you,” the BAFTA Best Costume Designer award recipient added.
“Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande], I love you so much. All the other cast, thank you for trusting me with bringing your characters to life,” he continued. “Thank you for everything, thank you.”
During his press speech that followed his victory, he claimed the award was the “penicillin of my career.”
“I’ve been designing costumes for over 35 years,” he added. “The whole way through, there was never a black male designer that I could see as an inspiration.” The designer continued, “To realize that is now me is a Wizard of Oz moment.”
Watch the first Paul Tazewell’s full press room speech below.
