Recognizing Paul Tazewell

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mr. Paul Tazewell as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week for winning an Academy Award for his costume design work in the movie ``Wicked.''

Paul's first Academy Award will join a crowded trophy case that contains an American Cinematheque Award and a British Academy Film Award, both for his costume design in ``Wicked.'' He also won Critics Choice and Costume Designers Guild Awards for his work on the film.

While this is Paul's first win at the Oscars, he was also nominated for costume design in the 2022 film adaptation of the ``West Side Story.''

Paul, a 1982 Buchtel High School graduate, proudly acknowledged during his acceptance speech that he is the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design, to a resounding crowd and a standing ovation. I don't know if he could hear us while he was up on stage, but our entire community in Akron was standing up and cheering him on when we heard his name called.

He later shared, ``I have evolved into that inspiring figure that I had been longing to emulate as a developing designer. I receive this beautiful recognition with immense pride and I dedicate it to everyone who has the dream to fly.''

Mr. Speaker, I, again, congratulate Paul Tazewell on this amazing accomplishment. He has certainly made our community proud, and he is a shining example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is the birthplace of champions.

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