Hollywood gathered in an emotional celebration on Sunday to honor the late Quincy Jones, a trailblazer whose contributions to music and film left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences posthumously awarded Jones an honorary Oscar at the 15th Annual Governors Awards, held just weeks after he passed from pancreatic cancer at 91.
Jones, a multi-talented composer, producer, and cultural icon, was set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award before his death.
His daughter, actress Rashida Jones, accepted the statuette on his behalf, sharing heartfelt words about her father’s zest for life. “He often said, ‘Live every day like it’s your last, and one day you’ll be right.’ And he did just that, living the most beautiful life,” she said, drawing a standing ovation from the star-studded audience.
Known for producing timeless hits for artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, Jones’s influence extended far beyond music.
Actor Jamie Foxx, who introduced the award, highlighted Jones’s cinematic contributions, including his role as a producer for “The Color Purple” and his Oscar-nominated work on soundtracks such as In Cold Blood and The Wiz.
The night featured a musical tribute from Jennifer Hudson, who performed a moving rendition of one of Jones’s celebrated works. Stars like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and Zoe Saldana visibly fought back tears during the performance, underscoring the emotional weight of the evening.
The Governors Awards, often seen as a precursor to Oscars season, brought together a mix of Hollywood icons and industry heavyweights.
Among the honorees were Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the masterminds behind the James Bond franchise, and British filmmaker Richard Curtis, lauded for his humanitarian efforts through Comic Relief.
As the room buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming Oscars season, Daniel Craig added a touch of humor, teasing the audience about the next James Bond. “Don’t look at me,” he joked, keeping fans guessing about the future of the franchise.
Quincy Jones’s influence on the entertainment industry was profound and multifaceted.
His posthumous recognition serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, resilience, and a life lived fully.
As Rashida Jones aptly put it, “He was really excited to be here tonight.
And while he couldn’t be, his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
Hollywood may have lost a legend, but the spirit of Quincy Jones remains alive through his music, films, and the countless lives he touched.