Paul Tazewell just made Oscar history!
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Tazewell just became the first Black man to win Best Costume Design at the Oscars for his costumes for the film Wicked. In 2022, Tazewell was nominated for his work in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story reboot.
"This is absolutely astounding," Tazewell said before thanking the Academy. "I'm the fist Black man to receive the Costume Design award for my work on Wicked. I'm so proud."
The award was presented by five actors, each from one of the nominated movies. Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang represented Wicked, and was the lone actor wearing his costume from the movie.
Yang said that getting to work on the film with Tazewell was "one of the biggest honors of my alleged career."
"But Paul, I'm actually upset with you because I can't talk about your exquisite work without sounding like a total jackass," he continued. "I don't want to be the kind of person who says Elphaba's costuming tells a story, but I have to, because it does! Because of you, you legend. If I have to say the words sumptuous fabrics one more time in an interview, I'm going to defy gravity off the side of this stage. Paul, how very dare you for being such a one of a kind talent. I love you so much."
Tazewell also thanked his "Ozian muses," Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with the rest of the cast.
"Thank you for trusting me with bringing your characters to life," he said. This is everything."
Over the years, Tazewell won an Emmy Award for The Wiz Live! and a Tony Award for Hamilton. He now has an Oscar — which gets him even closer to EGOT status.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is airing on ABC and Hulu.
