Paul Tazewell Makes History at the Oscars: The First Black Man to Win Best Costume Design

His win was more than three decades in the making — and it’s rewriting Hollywood history.

At the 97th Academy Awards, Paul Tazewell etched his name into the record books, becoming the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design, according to AP News. The veteran designer, whose career spans more than 35 years across Broadway and film, earned the golden statuette for his visionary work on Wicked, the highly anticipated reimagining of the beloved musical.

As he stepped onto the stage to accept the award, the Dolby Theatre erupted in a standing ovation.

“I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award,” Tazewell declared with emotion. “I’m so proud of this.” (AP News)

A Milestone Decades in the Making

Tazewell’s win represents not just personal triumph but a historic milestone in an industry that has often overlooked Black designers. His achievement arrives nearly 40 years after the Academy first introduced the category — a powerful testament to persistence, talent, and the slow but steady diversification of Hollywood’s creative fields (Variety).

Before this long-awaited Oscar victory, Tazewell had already established a reputation as one of the most prolific and respected costume designers of his generation. He previously earned an Oscar nomination for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) and won both an Emmy Award for NBC’s The Wiz Live! (2016) and a Tony Award for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton (2015).

Reflecting on his journey backstage, Tazewell shared how deeply the win resonated with him:

“I’ve been designing costumes for over 35 years — mostly on Broadway, and now film. There was never a Black male designer I could look up to and say, ‘That’s the path.’ To realize now that I’ve become that inspiration — it’s overwhelming,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Building a Legacy of Representation

Tazewell’s Oscar triumph follows the groundbreaking work of Ruth E. Carter, who became the first Black person to win in the category for Black Panther (2018) and later the first Black woman to win two Oscars with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2023). Tazewell graciously acknowledged her influence, saying,

“Ruth has paved the way for designers of color. Her excellence showed us that we belong in these conversations.” (Deadline)

This recognition for Tazewell also reflects the Academy’s gradual efforts to spotlight diverse artistry within technical and creative disciplines, areas that have historically lacked representation.

Crafting Magic Through Costume

In Wicked, Tazewell’s designs helped transform a familiar story into a rich visual tapestry of fantasy and empowerment. Drawing inspiration from the musical’s iconic stage legacy and modern sensibilities, he created vibrant, multidimensional costumes that merged imagination with cultural depth. His approach balanced the magical world of Oz with relatable human emotion — particularly through the contrasting wardrobes of its leading characters, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande).

“To my muses, Cynthia and Ariana, and all the cast — thank you for trusting me to bring your characters to life,” Tazewell said during his acceptance speech. “This means everything.”

Tazewell’s designs have been praised by critics for their meticulous craftsmanship and storytelling power. Vogue described his work in Wicked as “a masterclass in world-building through texture and color,” calling it one of the film’s “most defining creative achievements.”

A Career That Bridges Stage and Screen

Over the years, Tazewell’s artistry has shaped some of the most acclaimed productions in modern theater and cinema. His portfolio includes Harriet (2019), The Color Purple (2023), In the Heights (2021), A Streetcar Named Desire, and MJ: The Musical. Each project showcases his signature blend of historical authenticity and contemporary elegance — a skill that has made him one of the most sought-after designers in the entertainment world.

Before his Oscar win, Wicked also brought Tazewell top honors at the BAFTA Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and the Costume Designers Guild Awards, further cementing his dominance in this year’s awards season (Variety).

An Inspiration for Future Designers

As the spotlight now shines brighter on his career, Tazewell is using his platform to encourage the next generation of artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Winning the Oscar for Wicked is the highest point of my life — my North Star,” Tazewell wrote in a celebratory social media post. “It is my privilege to be the first Black man to receive an Academy Award for costume design. I have evolved into that inspiring figure I longed to see as a young designer. I dedicate this to everyone who dares to dream and dares to fly.”

Industry peers have praised Tazewell’s achievement not only for its artistry but also for its significance in advancing equity behind the scenes. The Hollywood Reporter noted that his win “signals a cultural shift toward broader recognition of excellence across all creative disciplines.”

A Well-Deserved Legacy

After more than three decades of visionary work across stage and screen, Paul Tazewell’s Oscar victory stands as both a personal milestone and a collective one for Black creatives in Hollywood. His story is a reminder that artistry, perseverance, and representation can transform industries — and inspire generations to come.

“This moment is not just for me,” Tazewell told reporters. “It’s for every designer of color who’s ever dreamed of being seen.”

Congratulations, Paul — your win is history, and your legacy is just beginning.