The legendary Quincy Jones was posthumously honored with an honorary Oscar at a heartfelt Hollywood ceremony on Sunday, marking a tribute to his monumental impact on both the music and film industries. The event also celebrated the producers behind the iconic James Bond franchise with golden statuettes.
Jones, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 91, was just two weeks away from receiving a coveted lifetime achievement award at the Governors Awards. His daughter, actress Rashida Jones, accepted the award on his behalf. In her touching speech, she shared that her father was “really excited” about attending the event. She recalled his words, “live every day like it’s your last, and one day you’ll be right,” and spoke to the audience about his incredible life. The crowd responded with an emotional standing ovation.
Jones was revered for his extraordinary career producing hit records for music legends like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. His influence, however, extended far beyond music. Actor Jamie Foxx, who introduced Jones’s award, emphasized the late icon’s profound impact on the film world. Jones produced influential films such as The Color Purple and received numerous Oscar nominations for his work on film songs and soundtracks, including In Cold Blood and The Wiz.
The night was filled with poignant moments as stars like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and Zoe Saldana were visibly moved by a tribute performance from Jennifer Hudson. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Governors Awards have become a prestigious occasion to honor industry veterans often overlooked by the main Oscars ceremony.
The event also served as an early opportunity for stars to network ahead of the upcoming Oscars season. Succession stars Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong caught up on their latest films, while renowned directors Pedro Almodóvar and Mohammad Rasoulof shared conversations on their unique cinematic visions.
A key highlight was the celebration of the James Bond franchise, with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson receiving honors for their work on the series since 1995. The duo has overseen major hits like Skyfall, one of the highest-grossing Bond films. The speculation about who will take on the role of the next Bond was a popular topic, with Daniel Craig jokingly suggesting the new Bond might already be in the room.
Richard Curtis, the celebrated British writer and director behind hits like Notting Hill and Love Actually, was awarded the Jean Hersholt statuette for his humanitarian efforts. Curtis co-founded Comic Relief, a British charity that has raised over $2.5 billion through entertaining fundraising events.
Lastly, casting director Juliet Taylor, renowned for her work on films like The Exorcist, Taxi Driver, and Schindler’s List, also received an honorary Oscar for her outstanding contributions to the film industry.
It was a night filled with admiration, memories, and a deep appreciation for the enduring legacies of these cinematic and musical icons.
