Paul Tazewell made history at the 97th Academy Awards, winning the Best Costume Design Oscar for his work on Wicked. He is the first Black man to win in this category, an achievement that lit up Hollywood on March 2, 2025. Tazewell’s incredible designs for Wicked, a film about overcoming adversity and finding strength, captivated audiences and industry professionals alike.
H2: A Moment of Triumph
During his acceptance speech, Tazewell expressed his pride in his team’s work. “I’m so very proud of our work: my team, all the makers, what we created with Wicked… I’m just hoping that it will be embraced by audiences all over the world.” His designs brought the beloved characters of Wicked to life, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.
Tazewell’s win is a significant milestone in the film industry, highlighting the talent and impact of Black designers. He acknowledged female designers like Ruth Carter, who paved the way for designers of color. “There was never a Black male designer that I saw that I could follow and could see as inspirational [and] to realize that that’s actually me,” he said in the Oscar press room.
H2: Hollywood’s Night to Remember
The Oscars ceremony was filled with unforgettable moments. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande performed a medley of songs from The Wiz and The Wizard of Oz, ending with “Defying Gravity” from Wicked. Their powerful performance added to the night’s magic, underscoring the influence of Wicked.
Zoe Saldaña also made history, winning the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar for Emilia Pérez. She shared a heartfelt story about her grandmother’s journey to the United States, emphasizing the importance of representation in Hollywood. “I am the first American of Dominican Republic origin to accept an Academy Award, and I won’t be the last,” she said.
H2: Honoring Legends and New Icons
The ceremony included a tribute to Quincy Jones, introduced by Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg praised Jones as a symbol of Black excellence. Queen Latifah performed “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz, energizing the crowd and honoring Jones’ legacy.
In the “In Memoriam” segment, Morgan Freeman remembered Gene Hackman, who died at 95. The segment also honored Barry Michael Cooper, Art Evans, Louis Gossett Jr., and James Earl Jones, acknowledging their contributions to the film industry.
H2: What Paul Tazewell’s Win Means for Black Designers
Tazewell’s win is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for diversity and inclusion. His success paves the way for future generations of designers of color, showing that talent and hard work can lead to the highest honors in Hollywood. His journey inspires aspiring designers, proving that breaking into traditionally less diverse fields is possible with creativity and perseverance.
