Minneapolis, MN
Paul Tazewell reflects on Minneapolis stop on career journey before winning first Oscar
Paul Tazewell designed costumes at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis for over 10 productions.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS interviewed Tazewell in 2022 when he became the first Black male Oscar nominee for costume design.
At the beginning of March, he made history again.
Tazewell’s talents were recognized at the Oscars, winning Best Costume Design for his work in “Wicked.” He also made history as the first Black man to receive the honor.
“I was sent up in a rocket on the night, and I continue to circle the Earth,” Tazewell said. “It’s really, really quite a wonderful feeling to have that acknowledgment, and I’m so appreciative.”
His former Minneapolis Guthrie Theater colleague and friend, DJ Gramann II, was in the audience cheering him on when he won the prestigious award.
“I started in the world of theater and live performance. Much of that work was created at amazing theater companies like the Guthrie Theater,” Tazewell said. “It’s been maybe 20 years since I’ve designed anything at the Guthrie, but now I can design in a very confident way having all the experience that I really honed when I was in Minneapolis.”
Starting in 1995, Tazewell showcased his talents in Minneapolis as his sketches came to life on stage in over a dozen productions.
“With DJ, having that friendship and camaraderie, being able to toss around ideas with him as to how to approach certain techniques,” Tazewell said. “All of that [experience] is invaluable and to my family at the Guthrie, you know that experience has been invaluable with how I now walk through life as a designer.”
Tazewell is well-known for his creative process and clear vision to enhance storytelling through costume design, but he’s also praised for his approach to working in stressful environments.
“It’s important for me and as a priority for me to lead with engagement and kindness and how to draw the best out of other people,” he said. “The making of costumes, the designing of costumes, it can be challenging and stressful just because there is always a deadline.”
Through decades of growth and persistence, Tazewell explained he wants his story to be an inspiration for aspiring costume designers.
“I always tell especially younger people that are interested in going into costume design or going into any field of the entertainment industry to hold on to your passion,” he said. “With passion and patience, you know there is a payoff.”
Tazewell is currently working on his second film with Steven Spielberg. His first was West Side Story. He believes the current movie that features his costume designs will be seen in theaters in 2026.
The scene of the crash at 26th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis woman was sentenced for her role in a deadly crash that killed two women and injured two other people in December 2024.
READ MORE: Minneapolis woman charged in fatal high-speed crash faces additional charges
Woman sentenced in fatal Minneapolis crash
Big picture view:
Prosecutors say Teniki Steward drove a Buick Enclave into a bus shelter and a Ford Explorer after speeding through a red light.
Both of the women in the Ford Explorer died in the crash. They were identified as 53-year-old Ester Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece.
During the crash, the Ford Explorer went off the road, injuring a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus.
The passenger in Steward’s vehicle also suffered injuries.
Minneapolis police said that Steward was also injured in the crash.
Steward pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges.
What they’re saying:
During the sentencing, the daughter of one of the victims had a statement read on her behalf:
“There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the moment your entire world is taken from you. Losing my mom has left a pain in my heart that words will never be able to explain.”
What’s next:
Minnesota law requires that Steward serves at least two-thirds of her sentence, a bit under eight-and-a-half years, in prison.
Fatal Emerson and 26th crash
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, through surveillance videos from the scene of the crash and witnesses, investigators learned that Steward, driving the Buick Enclave, had been driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Emerson Avenue North.
Before the fatal crash, Steward sped through the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North, running a red light and nearly causing a crash, the charges said.
Steward then continued to speed northbound down Emerson Avenue North, and ran another red light at 26th Avenue North, hitting the Ford Explorer, which was traveling eastbound, according to the complaint.
The Ford Explorer had been at the intersection of Emerson and 26th on a green light.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement:
“This was an egregious act that took Rose and Esther’s lives and injured a child waiting to go to school at a bus stop. Ms. Steward was driving at extremely dangerous speeds on city streets and narrowly avoided multiple collisions before the incident occurred. Third-degree murder charges are appropriate to hold her accountable and protect our community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from an Olmsted County court appearance and previous FOX 9 reporting.
A motorcyclist is dead after an early morning crash in Minneapolis Friday morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol said that at 1:20 a.m., a Suzuki Motorcycle going north on I-35W at Johnson Street hit the left side of the median guard rail.
The motorcycle continued north for about another quarter mile before coming to a rest on the right-hand side.
State Patrol said the rider came to rest on the left shoulder. He was later identified as 21-year-old Andrew James Neuberger.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Spartans boys volleyball team played its second game on consecutive nights. The Spartans beat Minneapolis Camden 3-0.
Rochester’s next game will be Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anthony Village at 7:00 p.m.
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