Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Thomas turned scripts into cinematic worlds during a 44-year career that began at Boston University
For more than four decades, production designer Wynn Thomas has helped shape some of Hollywood's most memorable films while working with directors including Spike Lee, Ron Howard, and Tim Burton.
Speaking from his New York apartment, Thomas reflected on a 44-year career that began at Boston University's theater program.
"I wanted to be a set designer," Thomas said. "Boston University had a very good theater department. It really did provide me with a launchpad."
After graduating, Thomas moved to New York City and joined the Negro Ensemble Company, where he unknowingly hired a future Hollywood star.
"There was an actor who had auditioned for the company and didn't get in," Thomas said. "Turns out this guy had carpentry skills, so I hired him to build my sets — and that person was Samuel L. Jackson."
Thomas later moved into film under production designer Dick Silver, helping transform scripts into visual worlds.
"The role of the production designer is to take the writer's words and turn them into concrete images," he said.
While working on the cult classic "Beat Street," Thomas met a young Spike Lee. The two later collaborated on "She's Gotta Have It," beginning a partnership that would span 11 films.
"He said, 'I didn't know there were any Black people doing this,'" Thomas said. "I said, 'Yeah, I'm doing it.'"
Despite decades of acclaimed work, Thomas said recognition from the Academy Awards was slow to come.
"I had to sort of let it go because I knew I was doing good work," he said.
In 2025, Thomas finally received an Honorary Oscar alongside Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton and Debbie Allen.
"There's nothing better in the world than to be recognized by your community," Thomas said. "I'm really appreciative of that."
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Thomas turned scripts into cinematic worlds during a 44-year career that began at Boston University
For more than four decades, production designer Wynn Thomas has helped shape some of Hollywood's most memorable films while working with directors including Spike Lee, Ron Howard, and Tim Burton.
Speaking from his New York apartment, Thomas reflected on a 44-year career that began at Boston University's theater program.
"I wanted to be a set designer," Thomas said. "Boston University had a very good theater department. It really did provide me with a launchpad."
After graduating, Thomas moved to New York City and joined the Negro Ensemble Company, where he unknowingly hired a future Hollywood star.
"There was an actor who had auditioned for the company and didn't get in," Thomas said. "Turns out this guy had carpentry skills, so I hired him to build my sets — and that person was Samuel L. Jackson."
Thomas later moved into film under production designer Dick Silver, helping transform scripts into visual worlds.
"The role of the production designer is to take the writer's words and turn them into concrete images," he said.
While working on the cult classic "Beat Street," Thomas met a young Spike Lee. The two later collaborated on "She's Gotta Have It," beginning a partnership that would span 11 films.
"He said, 'I didn't know there were any Black people doing this,'" Thomas said. "I said, 'Yeah, I'm doing it.'"
Despite decades of acclaimed work, Thomas said recognition from the Academy Awards was slow to come.
"I had to sort of let it go because I knew I was doing good work," he said.
In 2025, Thomas finally received an Honorary Oscar alongside Tom Cruise, Dolly Parton and Debbie Allen.
"There's nothing better in the world than to be recognized by your community," Thomas said. "I'm really appreciative of that."
WCVB is your home for Massachusetts breaking news and weather. For your latest Massachusetts news and weather visit: wcvb.com
For licensing inquiries: wcvb.com/licensing
