Paul Tazewell made history at the 2025 Oscars as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked, following his previous success at the BAFTAs and other major award shows, highlighting his crucial role in bringing the film’s magical world to life.

Paul Tazewell made history at the 2025 Oscars, becoming the first Black man to win the prestigious Best Costume Design award for his breathtaking work on the film Wicked.

Tazewell, 60, took to the stage with visible emotion as he accepted the honor, a moment that would go down in the history books not only for its personal significance but also for its cultural impact.

His win follows Ruth E. Carter’s groundbreaking achievement as the first Black person to win the Best Costume Design Oscar for Black Panther in 2018, and again for Wakanda Forever in 2022, marking a historic shift in recognition of Black talent in the field of costume design.

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Tazewell’s design work for Wicked, which ranged from the iconic looks of Glinda and Elphaba to over 1,000 total costume pieces featured in the film, has already earned critical acclaim.

He had already bagged multiple accolades for his contributions to the film, including wins at the Critics Choice Awards, the Costume Designers Guild Awards, the British Academy Film Awards, and the BAFTAs.

Tazewell’s vision and dedication to his craft helped bring the fantastical world of Wicked to life, and his win was a reflection of his years of expertise and the high esteem in which he is held by both his peers and audiences alike.

During his acceptance speech, Tazewell expressed immense gratitude and pride in his achievement, emphasizing the significance of being the first Black man to win in this category.

“This is absolutely astounding. Thank you Academy for this very significant honor,” he said, his voice full of emotion.

He thanked the talented team that worked alongside him on Wicked, including the costume designers from the U.K., and expressed his love and appreciation for the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who he referred to as his “Ozian muses.”

Tazewell also took a moment to acknowledge the leadership of director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt, thanking them for the opportunity to be a part of the Wicked family. “This is everything,” he added, reinforcing the personal and professional significance of the moment.

Wicked was a major contender at the 2025 Academy Awards, earning a total of 10 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo, and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande.

The film’s success at the Oscars is a testament to its widespread appeal and critical acclaim, with Tazewell’s costume designs playing a pivotal role in its cinematic magic.

In addition to his Oscar win, Tazewell’s extensive body of work in costume design, including his previous work on Harriet (2019) and West Side Story (2021), has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

His ability to bring visual narratives to life through clothing has earned him the admiration of actors, directors, and designers alike.

Before the Oscars, Tazewell had expressed how much the recognition meant to him. Speaking with ABC’s affiliate KABC earlier in the year, he shared that the acknowledgment from his peers was incredibly fulfilling.

“It really does mean the world to have that acknowledgement, to have that approval by so many greats in our industry,” Tazewell said.

His desire to make a difference through costume design, not only in the film industry but also in the hearts of audiences, is clear. He has long been passionate about using his craft to tell powerful stories, as his work in Wicked clearly demonstrates.

Tazewell’s win also highlights the growing importance of representation in Hollywood.

With every milestone, from Carter’s Oscar wins to Tazewell’s groundbreaking achievement, there is a sense of progress in an industry that has often overlooked the contributions of Black artists.

Tazewell’s triumph at the Oscars reflects the importance of diverse voices in all areas of filmmaking, and it will surely inspire future generations of costume designers to pursue their craft without limits.

While Tazewell’s win is a major personal achievement, it also signals a shift in how Black creatives are recognized in Hollywood, especially in categories like costume design, which often go underappreciated despite their immense contributions to the storytelling process.

The importance of costume design in bringing characters to life cannot be overstated, and Tazewell’s visionary work in Wicked underscores how essential the design element is in creating a world that feels both magical and believable.

The recognition of Wicked at the Oscars and Tazewell’s win is not just about an individual achievement; it’s about the broader impact of his work on the film industry and the cultural conversation around diversity and representation.

His Oscar win is a symbol of the doors that are being opened for Black talent in the arts, and it is a reminder that creativity and excellence know no boundaries.

As Tazewell continues to shape the world of costume design, his future projects will undoubtedly be met with even greater anticipation.

His influence in the industry is undeniable, and his ability to marry history, imagination, and storytelling in his designs will continue to inspire future generations of creatives.

With Wicked already making waves in the industry, it’s clear that Tazewell’s Oscar-winning contribution to the film is just one chapter in a storied career that will leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.