This year, Paul Tazewell became the first out gay Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his contributions in the first Wicked film. He also showcased three fashion looks at the Met Gala, worn by Chappell Roan, Janelle Monáe, and Debbie Allen. Tazewell then celebrated the 10th anniversary of Hamilton, the Broadway production for which he won his first Tony Award. (He won another this year for Death Becomes Her’s costume design.)
But even landmark years have obstacles. Tazewell faced his “own thoughts of impostor syndrome.” But acknowledging his 35 years of experience and hard work allowed him to embrace his successes and the “meaningful effect it’s had on audiences.” In fact, that’s his north star: “To encourage the honest love and respect of other humans, and to prioritize choices that are pro-human and globally considered so that everyone on this planet can flourish in their lifetime.”
Between designing costumes for the revival of Eugene O’Neill’s Anna Christie and doing another press cycle promoting Wicked: For Good, Tazewell is committed to the present. “The rest I leave to the universe,” he says. @paultazewell
