Paul Tazewell needs to make some more room on his trophy shelf.
The Akron native added to his collection the night of June 8 when he won a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical for his work in “Death Becomes Her,” the comedic musical based off the 1992 film that starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis.
Paul Tazewell, winner of the best costume design of a musical award for “Death Becomes Her,” poses in the press room during the 78th annual Tony Awards at 3 West Club in New York City on June 8, 2025.
The musical, which has been running on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre since November 2024, stars Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber and Michelle Williams (best known for her time as part of the singing group Destiny’s Child). The show was up for 10 Tony Awards Sunday night.
With his Tony in hand on the red carpet, Tazewell was beaming.
“You know, it is a culmination of an amazing year,” he told Playbill. “I am just so thrilled and blessed to have been offered these amazing design opportunities and to receive the award for ‘Death Becomes Her,’ you know, when I was designing it, I wasn’t designing it to receive the Tony, you know, I was having a great time, telling a story. … to create this world that could be magical, that would be funny and be reflective of the film and, you know, and also transcend that as well. So to now be acknowledged for the work is just very heartwarming and exciting.”
He continued on social media June 9 with a lengthy message of gratitude while making sure to recognize those who’ve collaborated with him on the award-winning costume work that’s put him centerstage for those who might not have been following his journey all along.
“First, an acknowledgment: No one climbs these mountains alone. … This year has already been one of abundance, and in this moment, I’m reflecting on the extraordinary collaborators, teams, and artisans who bring these visions to life,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The craftspeople behind these costumes … This is a celebration of their hands, their hearts, and the stories they help tell.”
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Who was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical?
For the 2025 Tonys, Tazewell was up against costume designers Clint Ramos for “Maybe Happy Ending,” Gregg Barnes for “BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical,” Dede Ayite for “Buena Vista Social Club” and Catherine Zuber for “Just in Time.”
How many Tonys has Paul Tazewell won?
This isn’t the first Tony Award that Tazewell has won. The Buchtel grad took the trophy home back in 2016 for his work in “Hamilton” and won an Emmy the same year for “The Wiz Live!” on NBC.
Paul Tazewell’s other costume design accolades
Earlier this year, Tazewell won his first Oscar for costume design for his work in the blockbuster film “Wicked.”
Tazewell, 60, spent 1.5 years working on the costumes for the film starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with much of that time on set in the London area. The film earned 10 Oscar nods.
Paul Tazewell accepts the Costume Design award for “Wicked” onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California.
During his acceptance speech, the designer proudly acknowledged the fact that he was the first Black man to win in the costume category to a resounding crowd and standing ovation.
“This,” he said at the time, hoisting up his Oscar trophy, “is everything. Thank you.”
For his work in “Wicked,” Tazewell was also honored with the American Cinematheque award, won a 2024 British Academy Film Award for best costume designs, as well as Critics Choice and Costume Designers Guild awards.
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This story has been updated with comments from Tazewell.
Reporter Kerry Clawson contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Paul Tazewell wins Tony Award in costume design for ‘Death Becomes Her’
