Paul Tazewell made history at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, winning the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. This groundbreaking victory marks the first time a Black man has won in this prestigious category.
Tazewell, a 2024 EBONY Power 100 awardee, expressed profound emotion about the win. “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. “It’s the pinnacle of my career.”
The acclaimed designer previously received an Oscar nomination for West Side Story in 2022 but secured his place in history with this win for Wicked, a film that resonates with themes of embracing differences and finding inner strength.
Historic Achievement in Costume Design Excellence
Tazewell’s victory represents a significant milestone in Oscar history. During his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the importance of representation in the industry and credited female designers, including fellow Oscar winner Ruth Carter, for paving the way for designers of color.
When interviewed by EBONY last November, Tazewell had shared his hopes for the film: “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 wish certainly came true. The film not only captivated global audiences but also earned the recognition of the Academy, cementing Tazewell’s place in Oscar history and opening doors for future generations of Black costume designers.
Wicked Stars Shine in Memorable Oscar Performance
The Oscar ceremony featured a spectacular musical tribute by Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The talented duo delivered a stunning performance that began with Erivo singing “Home” from The Wiz and Grande performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.
They concluded their appearance with a powerful joint rendition of “Defying Gravity,” a signature song from the Oscar-nominated film Wicked. Their performance came during the show’s opening segment, which paid tribute to Hollywood following devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
The musical showcase highlighted the film’s cultural significance and artistic merit, providing a fitting backdrop for Tazewell’s historic win. The costume designs he created for the production played a crucial role in bringing the magical world of Wicked to life on screen.
Diversity Celebrated Throughout Academy Awards Ceremony
Tazewell’s groundbreaking achievement was part of a night that celebrated diversity across multiple categories. Zoe Saldaña won the Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar for her work in Emilia Pérez, becoming another trailblazer at the ceremony.
During her acceptance speech, Saldaña acknowledged her heritage with pride. “I am the first American of Dominican Republic origin to accept an Academy Award, and I won’t be the last,” she declared, referencing her grandmother who had migrated to the United States in 1961.
The ceremony also featured a special segment honoring music legend Quincy Jones. Introduced by Oprah and Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg, who noted that Jones was “the first Black composer nominated for an Oscar,” the tribute included Queen Latifah performing “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz, which Jones produced for the 1978 film adaptation.
Legacy and Remembrance in Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The Academy Awards ceremony balanced celebration with remembrance. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman delivered a moving tribute to Gene Hackman, who passed away at age 95, honoring his contributions to cinema.
The traditional “In Memoriam” segment included several prominent Black artists who had recently passed away. Writer Barry Michael Cooper, known for New Jack City (1991), Sugar Hill (1994), and Above the Rim (1994), was among those honored.
Celebrated actors Art Evans, Louis Gossett Jr., and James Earl Jones were also remembered during this solemn portion of the ceremony, acknowledging their lasting impact on the film industry and their pioneering roles for Black performers in Hollywood.
