Photo credit: www.goldderby.com

Paul Tazewell Reflects on Oscar Nomination for Costume Design in *Wicked*

As the Oscar nominations for this year were revealed, costume designer Paul Tazewell found himself high above the clouds, traveling from London.

“I was actually on a plane, and my wi-fi wasn’t working,” Tazewell shared in an interview. “Eventually, I dozed off, and upon waking up, I was able to connect. That’s when I saw all the texts, and I was thrilled!”

According to Tazewell, the recognition of an epic film like *Wicked* by peers within the film community is profoundly moving. “To have such acknowledgment and support from the fans is just beautiful. It signifies a major transformation in my career. My goal has always been to touch hearts, and this feels like a celebration of that mission.”

This nomination marks Tazewell’s second nod for Best Costume Design, having previously contended for *West Side Story* in 2021. He has also won an Emmy for *The Wiz Live!* in 2016 and a Tony Award for *Hamilton* the same year. Reflecting on this period, he emphasized its significance: “Being recognized for my work during this phase of my career is an incredible gift.”

Following decades of success on Broadway, Universal Pictures’ long-awaited film adaptation of *Wicked* Part 1 premiered in November 2024, with Part 2 slated for release in November 2025. The film features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good. They are joined by a stellar cast that includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.

In designing Elphaba’s costume, Tazewell drew inspiration from “mushrooms and fungus,” aiming to reflect both the character’s inner and outer identity. He noted, “The design intentionally mirrors Cynthia Erivo’s essence and her style. Elphaba embodies a unique fashion sense, making bold choices that resonate with her individuality.”

For Glinda’s iconic bubble dress, Tazewell faced the challenge of creating a sense of aerial lightness while maintaining translucent swirling forms. He described the process as sculptural, striving to ensure that the dress would feel ethereal and not heavy, contrasting with Glinda’s vibrant persona.

Tazewell’s team was tasked with creating an extensive wardrobe, producing “upwards of 1,500” unique outfits to represent various characters across settings like Shiz University, Munchkinland, and Emerald City. He remarked on the scale of the project being unprecedented for him: “There are two films intertwined within this single timeline, which makes it huge.”

In the exclusive interview, Tazewell hinted at the overarching theme of individuality in the costumes for Shiz University, and shared the emotional impact of key design moments in the film, especially related to Elphaba’s cape during the iconic “Defying Gravity” scene. He expressed hope that audiences would embrace the essence of the story. Moreover, he provided a sneak peek into *Wicked: For Good*, teasing an exhilarating continuation of the narrative: “You can expect an amazing journey from where we leave off.”

Source
www.goldderby.com