Paul Tazewell won an Oscar for Best Costume Design for Wicked and became the first black man to win such a victory
Paul Tazewell won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Wicked, becoming the first black man to win in this category.
Here's What We Know
At the 97th Academy Awards, Paul Tazewell received his first statuette for his work on costumes in the film Wicked. This is his second nomination after working on Steven Spielberg's West Side Story in 2022.
In his speech, Tazewell said: "I am the first black man to win this award. I am extremely proud of this." His words drew a standing ovation from the audience.
Tazewell also thanked the film's stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, calling them his muses: "Thank you for trusting me to bring your characters to life. It means the world to me."
Paul Tazewell has been working in costume design for over 35 years. His career began on Broadway, where he designed costumes for productions such as Hamilton, The Colour Purple and In the Heights. He also won an Emmy for his work on the TV production of The Wiz Live!
In his backstage speech, Tazewell said his win was important for inspiring future generations of designers: "I didn't have a black male designer to look up to. But now I've become that role model."
Tazewell beat out such nominees as Linda Muir (Nosferatu), Genti Yates and David Crossman (Gladiator II). His work on the costumes for the adaptation of the musical Wicked has received critical acclaim, including wins at the BAFTA and Critics Choice Awards.
Source: Oscars
