Oscars 2025: Paul Tazewell makes history as the first Black man to win ‘Best Costume Design’
Costume designer Paul Tazewell made history at the Oscars 2025 when he became the first Black man in history to win ‘Best Costume Design’.
As an emotional Tazewell stepped on stage to accept his award, it was obvious how much triumphing at the Oscars meant to him.
“This is absolutely astounding,” Tazewell gushed. “Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honour. I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on Wicked. I’m so proud of this.”
This prompted a standing ovation from the audience, who were only too happy to ensure Tazewell’s moment was as euphoric as he was feeling inside.
Tazewell was previously nominated in 2022 for his work on West Side Story. With his win for Wicked, he beat nominees from Gladiator II, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, and Nosferatu. His win comes only a few years after Ruth E Carter became the first Black person to take home the ‘Best Costume Design’ award for both 2018’s Black Panther and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Before the Oscars, Tazewell spoke to KABC and revealed how much it meant to him to even be in the running for an honour. “It really does mean the world to have that acknowledgement, to have that approval by so many greats that are you know, our in our industry, it just means the world,” he said.
“I want to touch hearts, want to change lives, I want to make a difference, and my power, my medium in doing that, is costume design and I’m passionate about it,” he added. “I hold to that, and I know that I’m good at doing that, and that makes me feel good.”
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