Alumnus Paul Tazewell makes history as first Black man to win Academy Award for best costume design, for “Wicked”

Paul Tazewell, an alum of the School of Design & Production (B.F.A. '86) at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), won the Academy Award for best costume design for “Wicked.” Tazewell is the first Black man to receive the award for costume design and the first UNCSA alum to win an Oscar. The 97th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, were announced live on ABC from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2.

In accepting the award, Tazewell said, “This is absolutely astounding. Thank you Academy for this very significant honor. Thank you to my ‘Oz-ian’ muses, Cynthia and Ariana….thank you for trusting me for bringing your characters to life. This is everything.”

Introducing the award, “Wicked” cast member, comedian Bowen Yang said, “To be costumed by the great Paul Tazewell is one of the great honors of my career…thank you for being such a one-of-a-kind talent, I love you.”

“Wicked” was nominated in 10 categories and won two (production design and costume design). Several UNCSA alumni have connections to the film and Broadway and touring productions, including Tiffany Little Canfield (B.F.A. Drama ’00), who was casting director for the film.

"We are incredibly proud of Paul and honored to call him a UNCSA alum," said Chancellor Brian Cole. "His extraordinary talent and vision have rightfully earned recognition from the Academy, and we are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this historic achievement. As the first Black man to win the Academy Award for best costume design, Paul has not only made history but also paved the way for future generations of artists. This is a groundbreaking moment, and we couldn't be more excited for him."

Paul Tazewell, a Tony and Emmy Award-winning costume designer, has shaped the visual storytelling of Broadway, film, television, dance, and opera for over 30 years. He made history as the first African American male nominated for an Academy Award for best costume design for Steven Spielberg's “West Side Story” (2021). A seven-time Tony nominee, Tazewell won for his work on the original Broadway production of “Hamilton.” His Broadway debut with “Bring in ’Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk” set the stage for iconic contributions to “In the Heights,” “MJ The Musical,” “The Color Purple,” and more.

Globally, Tazewell has designed for institutions like The Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi Ballet, and National Theatre UK. His film credits include “Harriet” and Disney+’s “Hamilton,” and his television work earned him an Emmy for NBC’s “The Wiz Live!”

Notable accolades include two Lucille Lortel Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, and honors from the Princess Grace Foundation. A graduate of UNCSA's costume design & technology concentration, ranked in the top ten worldwide by The Hollywood Reporter, and NYU (M.F.A. ‘89), Tazewell has returned to UNCSA as a guest artist, has a scholarship named in his honor, and was the 2018 commencement speaker.

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February 25, 2026