Paul Tazewell’s Oscar for Best Costume Design is another win for Black queer history

Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2025 Academy Awards marked a historic night of achievement for members of the Black queer community as Paul Tazewell picked up his first-ever Oscar win.

The celebrated costume designer took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Wicked making him the first Black man in history to ever win the category.

“This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy for this very significant honor. I’m the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on Wicked,” Tazewell said in his acceptance speech interrupted by a roaring standing ovation from industry luminaries.

Tazewell had been the favorite to take home the Best Costume Design honor leading into the ceremony. Last night’s win at the Oscars follows his

READ MORE OF THIS POST AT Queerty