Variety: ‘Wicked’s’ Paul Tazewell Makes Oscars History as First Black Man to Win Best Costume Design

Photo courtesy: Rich Polk

“Wicked’s” Paul Tazewell has made Oscars history by becoming the first Black man to win for best costume design.

Tazewell, a previous nominee for “West Side Story,” already has an Emmy award (“The Wiz Live”) and Tony award (“Hamilton”) under his belt. He triumphed over fellow costume designers: Arianne Phillips (“A Complete Unknown”), Linda Muir (“Nosferatu”), Lisy Christl (“Conclave”) and Janty Yates and David Crossman (“Gladiator II”).

Tazewell has swept the season scooping up the BAFTA, Critics Choice and Costume Designers Guild awards along the way. He was also named one of Variety’s 10 artisans to watch in costume design, and was honored with the Variety Artisan Award in costume design at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Read more here: https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/wicked-paul-tazewell-first-black-man-oscar-costume-design-1236319137/