On a magical night at the 97th Academy Awards, Paul Tazewell walked away with the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his spectacular work on Wicked. With this recognition, Tazewell not only celebrated his talent, but also marked a milestone by becoming the first black man to win in this category.
The designer, who has brought unforgettable theatrical and cinematic worlds to life, beat out strong contenders such as A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Gladiator II and Nosferatu. In his speech, he dedicated the award to the cast of Wicked, singling out Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as his “Oz muses.”
“It’s absolutely amazing. Thank you, Academy, for this very meaningful honor. I’m very proud to be the first black man to receive this award for my work on Wicked.” – Paul Tazewell
Dressed in a sleek black Dolce & Gabbana suit, the designer received an industry standing ovation for his impact and contribution to the art of costume. From Peris Costumes, we celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the inspiration he continues to bring to fashion and film.
