Oscars 2025: Paul Tazewel of 'Wicked' becomes first POC to win Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell of "Wicked" has won the Best Costume Design at the Oscars 2025!

The award not only marks Paul's first Oscar win and second nomination in the same category, following "West Side Story," it also made Paul the first person of color to win Best Costume Design in The Academy Awards history.

"This is absolutely astounding. Thank you [to] The Academy for this very significant honor," Paul said in his acceptance speech.

"I'm the first black man to receive an Oscar design award," he added, expressing his pride and thanks to those who contributed to his designs.

"My OZian muses, Cynthia [Erivo] and Ariana [Grande], I love you so much for trusting me and bringing your characters to life," he said.

"This is everything," he added.

"Wicked" has earned a staggering 10 nominations at the Oscars 2025, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Sound, to name a few.

Directed by John Chu, "Wicked" follows the story of Glinda (Ariana) and Elphaba (Cynthia) on their self-discovery journeys and their unlikely friendship at Shiz University, a tale that serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz."

The second act, "Wicked: For Good," premieres in cinemas in 2025.

Earlier, Kieran Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor award for "A Real Pain." 

Paul Tazewell will help you be popular!
Congratulations on winning the Oscar for Best Costume Design. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/MkEF5JZNex

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025

— LA, GMA Integrated News