PAUL TAZEWELL WINS THE OSCAR FOR BEST COSTUME DESIGN: THE FIRST BLACK MALE TO TAKE THE AWARD

Academy Award-winning Paul Tazewell has officially made history, becoming the first Black Male to win “Best Costume Design” for Wicked, Universal Pictures’ two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit musical, at the 97th Oscars^® at the Dolby^® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

“Winning the Oscar for Wicked is the highest point of my life – my North Star. It is my privilege to be the first Black Man to receive an Academy Award for Outstanding Costumes. I have evolved into that inspiring figure that I had been longing to emulate as a developing designer. I receive this beautiful recognition with immense pride, and I dedicate it to everyone who has the dream to fly,” Tazewell remarked. Tazewell appeared at the ceremony dressed in a black Dolce & Gabbana suit with a long-sleeved silk shirt and a Fred Lighton custom diamond broach.

His historic win marks a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s ongoing push toward inclusivity and representation in behind-the-scenes artistry.

In addition to the Academy Award win for Wicked, Paul received “Best Costume Design” at the 2025 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Costume Designers Guild Award for Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film, the Innovator Award at the African American Critics Association Awards and NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Costume Design.

Wicked earned 10 Academy Award nominations and became one of the year’s most celebrated films.