“Wicked” costume designer Paul Tazewell is reflecting on its historic Oscar gain.
Tazewell, who became the first black man to win an Oscar for the costume design on Sunday night, took Instagram on Monday and shared How recognition has been his “star of the north.”
“Winning the Oscar for Wicked is the highest point of my life,” the post subtitled. “It is my privilege to be the first black man to receive an academy prize for outstanding costumes.”
Paul Tazewell, winner of the Best Costume Design for ‘Wicked’, attends the Oscar de Vanity Fair party of 2025, on March 2, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.
Neilson Barnard/Getty images
He continued: “I have evolved in that inspiring figure who had been longing to emulate as a development designer. I receive this beautiful recognition with immense pride and dedicate it to all those who have the dream of flying.”
During your acceptance speechTazewell acknowledged what the first black man is to win an Oscar for the best costume design.
When mentioning that, many at the audience stood up and gave it a round of applause, including Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana GrandeRachel Zegler and more.
Paul Tazewell accepts the costume design award for “Wicked” on stage during the 97th Annual Oscar at the Dolby Theater on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
“I’m very proud of this,” he said.
“Thank you for trusting me for giving life to your characters,” he added. “This is all.”
In the Oscars Press RoomTazewell talked about the importance of his victory and what he will mean for those who want to follow their way.
Paul Tazewell, winner of the Prize for the Best Costume Design for “Wicked”, poses in the press room of the 97th Annual Awards of the Academy, March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Gavin Bond/Disney
“This is the pinnacle of my career,” he said. “I have been designing costumes for more than 35 years. Much has been on Broadway and now in cinema. And all the way, there was never a black male designer that I saw that I could continue, that I could see as inspiration. I realize that, in reality, that is me, it becomes a ‘magician of Oz’ moment.”
He continued: “You know, it is as if there was no room as the home. Therefore, returning to inspiration to be inside me is really remarkable.”
