Wicked’s Paul Tazewell makes history

Paul Tazewell made history at the 97th Academy Awards by becoming the first African American to win the Best Costume Design prize for his work on 'Wicked'.

The 60-year-old costume designer fended off fellow nominees Arianne Phillips (‘A Complete Unknown’), Janty Yates and David Crossman (‘Gladiator II’), Lisy Christl (‘Conclave’) and Linda Muir (‘Nosferatu’) to win the prize, and called his historic victory “absolutely astounding”.

In his acceptance speech, he said: “This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honour. I'm the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on 'Wicked'. I'm so proud of this.”