Costume design is the art of creating clothing and accessories that define characters in movies, TV shows, plays, and operas. Designers use elements like color, texture, and silhouette to convey mood, symbolism, and character development.
Paul Tazewell is a Black American costume designer celebrated for his work in theater, dance, film, opera, and television. Born on September 15, 1964, in Akron, Ohio, he trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts before launching a successful Broadway career.
At the 97th Academy Awards, Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. He is the second Black person overall to receive this honor, following Ruth E. Carter, who won for Black Panther in 2019 and again for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2023.
Paul Tazewell with Ruth E. carter.
Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, explores the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good Witch. The film’s fantastical world required costumes that balanced magic with rich character storytelling—something Tazewell executed masterfully.
In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the historic significance of his win, saying, “I’m the first Black man to receive the Costume Design award. I’m so proud of this.” He also expressed gratitude to the U.K. team and Wicked’s leading ladies, adding, “My Ozian muses, Cynthia and Ariana, I love you so much.”
Among his most iconic creations are Glinda’s shimmering bubble dress, which embodies her ethereal presence, and Elphaba’s dramatic black gown, symbolizing her transformation. Reflecting on his creative process, he explained, “It became about interpreting that into fabric and texture.”
PAUL TAZEWELL’S ICONIC WICKED COSTUMES.
Tazewell’s Oscar win is a testament to his groundbreaking career, which spans over three decades. Before this, he was nominated for an Academy Award for West Side Story (2021). He has also received a Tony Award for Hamilton, an Emmy for The Wiz Live!, and accolades from BAFTA and the Satellite Awards. His work is known for its ability to bring characters to life with intricate detail and cultural depth.
Beyond the awards, Tazewell’s win represents progress in the industry, inspiring aspiring Black designers and emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in Hollywood’s creative spaces.
