Paul Tazewell, the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, will be the featured speaker at the College’s 198th Commencement on May 16, 2026.
Best known for his costume design for such films as “West Side Story,” “Harriet” and “Wicked” — which earned him an Oscar last year — Tazewell has become a defining creative force in theater, film and fashion. He also has an Emmy Award for the TV event “The Wiz Live!” and two Tony Awards for his work on “Hamilton” and “Death Becomes Her.”
Senior Class President Dylan Sibbitt ’26 announced Tazewell’s selection to the Class of 2026 on Friday, Feb. 6, during Fandango, an annual celebration held 100 days prior to graduation.
President Julie Kornfeld said it will be an honor to welcome Tazewell, who has shaped some of the most significant productions of the past 30 years.
“Paul Tazewell is a trailblazer in his field and master of storytelling through design. As an institution dedicated to developing young adults who can tell — and transform — their own stories, we are thrilled that he will be sharing his experience, talent and passion with our graduating students as they design their own futures with intention.”
Tazewell has gained widespread acclaim for his meticulous craftsmanship and visual storytelling through the costumes of “Wicked,” including Glinda’s pink bubble dress that required over 225 hours of work. He will next reunite with Steven Spielberg for his highly anticipated film “Disclosure Day” this summer. On stage, he has over 30 Broadway credits to his name, including “Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” “Death Becomes Her” and “The Color Purple.” On screen, his costumes have elevated films such as “Harriet” and “West Side Story” — making him the first Black man to be nominated in the category — and television events like NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live.” Tazewell has made his mark in the world of fashion as well, helping to create striking looks for Chappell Roan, Janelle Monáe and Debbie Allen at the 2025 Met Gala.
Though celebrated for his achievements in costume, Tazewell’s creative practice defies category. His current work spans product design, interiors, publishing and architecture — a multidisciplinary approach grounded in storytelling, materiality and the artisan’s hand.
Tazewell is the brother of Kenyon’s Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film Jonathan Tazewell ’84. An Ohio native, he was educated at New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts. He has shared his expertise as a guest artist at these institutions and served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University from 2003 to 2006. He is based in New York City.
The day before Commencement, David Rowe, the Harry M. Clor Professor of Political Science, will give this year’s Baccalaureate address. Selected by the Class of 2026, Rowe teaches political economy, comparative politics and international relations. He joined Kenyon in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in German from Davidson College, a Master of Arts from the School of Advanced International Studies at John Hopkins University, and a doctorate in political science from Duke University.
Download images of Paul Tazewell and Kenyon College.