'Wicked' costume designer becomes first Black man to win Oscar in category

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Paul Tazewell has won the Academy Award for best costume design for the movie-musical sensation "Wicked," becoming the first Black man to win the award.

He received a standing ovation from the Oscars crowd, started by the stars of the smash hit film, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

"Thank you, Academy for this very significant honor," Tazewell said. "Thank you everyone in the U.K. for all of your beautiful work. I could not have done this without you."

Tazewell led a team of over 140 crewmembers to bring the Land of Oz to life, with technicolor and vibrant costumes fitting the fantastic story and setting.

Before stepping off the stage, he thanked his "Ozian muses," Erivo and Grande, and the rest of the cast for "trusting me with bringing your characters to life. This is everything."

Conan O'Brien took a moment to congratulate Tazewell as well.

Tazewell was previously nominated for the same category for 2021's "West Side Story."