In a historic moment at the 97th Academy Awards, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design. He won the award for his work on the film adaptation of “Wicked.” This monumental achievement not only highlights Tazewell’s exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone in the representation of Black artists in the film industry.

Who Is Paul Tazewell?

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Paul Tazewell developed an early passion for design, leading him to study fashion at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Realizing his true calling was in costume design, he transferred to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He later honed his craft with a Master of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Tazewell has become renowned for his innovative and authentic costume designs across theater, dance, opera, and film. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to enhance storytelling through wardrobe have set him apart in the industry.

A champion of diverse narratives, Tazewell ensures his designs reflect the depth and richness of the stories they support. His signature style seamlessly blends historical accuracy with contemporary flair, making his work stand out on stage and screen.

What has Paul Tazewell designed costumes for?

Paul Tazewell’s impressive portfolio includes a variety of notable productions across different mediums.

Theater

Tazewell made his Broadway debut with “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk” in 1996. He received a Tony Award for Best Costume Design for the musical “Hamilton” in 2016, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s leading costume designers. He also earned Tony nominations for his work on:

  • The Color Purple (2006)
  • In the Heights (2008)
  • Memphis (2010)
  • A Streetcar Named Desire (2012)
  • Ain’t Too Proud (2019)
  • MJ: The Musical (2022)
  • Suffs (2024)

Television

In 2016, Tazewell won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program for his work on NBC’s “The Wiz Live!,” which was widely praised for its fresh take on the classic story and its visually stunning costume designs.

Film

His film credits include costume design for “Harriet” (2019), a biopic about Harriet Tubman, and Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” (2021), for which he received an Academy Award nomination. His groundbreaking win for “Wicked” (2024) at the recent Oscars further solidifies his status in the film industry.

Breaking Barriers in Costume Design

Tazewell’s Oscar win is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Black costume designers.

Throughout his career, Tazewell has consistently pushed the boundaries of costume design. He has continuously brought authenticity, creativity, and cultural awareness to his work. His contributions to the arts have set new standards for storytelling through costume, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.