Akron native Paul Tazewell, nominated for an Academy Award for his costume design work for the blockbuster film "Wicked," won his first Oscar Sunday in his second nomination in the category.

Paul Tazewell makes history as the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Costume Design for Wicked, after dazzling work on West Side Story.

Receiving his award for best costume design, Tazewell was celebrated by the film's star, Cynthia Erivo, who jumped to her feet to clap.

Ruth Carter became the first Black woman to win in the category for 'Black Panther' in 2019. One of the night’s most poignant moments occurred early in the Oscars 2025 telecast, when Paul Tazewell won the Academy Award for best costume design for his work on Wicked.