Just two weeks prior to his demise, the esteemed musician and producer Quincy Jones penned a heartfelt speech, intended for his upcoming honor at the Governors Awards. This prestigious ceremony, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, would see him receive an honorary Oscar. On a Sunday evening steeped in Hollywood glamour, his talented actress daughter, Rashida Jones, stood in his stead, delivering his speech to an attentive and captivated audience.
"As an adolescent in Seattle, I'd spend countless hours lost in the theater, envisioning myself composing music for films," she recounted, channeling her father's spirit – a Black pioneer who made waves in Hollywood. "During my nascent days as a film composer, the studio commissaries were devoid of diverse faces," she continued, echoing his experiences.
Jones, who was nominated seven times, was bestowed with a unique honorary Oscar – the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – in 1995, an era when these accolades were still featured on the televised Oscar broadcast. However, to streamline the telecast, the honorary awards were segregated into a standalone event in 2009.
Despite not being televised, the Governors Awards draw an elite gathering that rivals any red-carpet event. Serving as an early milestone on the awards-season calendar, the event offers ample opportunities for unfiltered interactions with Oscar voters during its cocktail reception and post-dinner socializing, making it the season's most star-studded networking gala.
Jennifer Lawrence, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Lopez secured their seats early, while directors Luca Guadagnino ("Challengers" and "Queer") and Brady Corbet ("The Brutalist") engaged in animated discussions about film formats. The "Succession" stars Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin reconnected on the terrace, both vying for supporting-actor nods – Strong for "The Apprentice" and Culkin for "A Real Pain." Meanwhile, the stars of "Emilia Perez," Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, were popular figures, gracing every corner of the ballroom with their presence.
The night's first honoree was Juliet Taylor, a casting director who has worked on over 100 films, including classics like "The Exorcist," "Terms of Endearment," and "Annie Hall." As she accepted her Oscar, she eloquently described her craft: "It's about appreciating actors even when they're not entirely likable, and directors when they're not the easiest to work with."
Daniel Craig emerged to present the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have been the stewards of the James Bond franchise for nearly three decades. Taking the reins of Eon Productions from their father, Albert Broccoli, these half-siblings have produced the last nine Bond films, starting with "GoldenEye," Pierce Brosnan's debut in the role, up to Daniel Craig's swan song, "No Time to Die."
"If curiosity piques your interest in discovering the new James Bond, direct your gaze elsewhere, not at me," Craig remarked, playfully interjecting, "He could even be sharing this very space with us! Just kidding, of course." The esteemed Richard Curtis, whose romantic comedies such as 'Love Actually,' 'Notting Hill,' and 'Bridget Jones's Diary' have charmed audiences worldwide, was introduced by Hugh Grant. Grant reminisced fondly about his pivotal audition for 'Four Weddings and a Funeral,' penned by Curtis, quipping, "The sole individual who didn't take a shine to me, in fact, harbored an instant, intense dislike, going to great lengths to thwart my casting, was none other than the writer we're here to celebrate tonight."
Curtis, a co-founder of the charity Comic Relief, seized his moment at the podium to urge Hollywood to transcend mere hope and take concrete steps towards improving the lives of others. "We often falter at the final hurdle," he lamented. "Powerful films and TV shows are crafted, and everyone crossing their fingers, hoping they'll spark change. But hope alone isn't enough."
Yet, the most poignant tribute was reserved for Jones, who passed away at 91 from pancreatic cancer. In 1968, he became the first Black artist to receive two Oscar nominations in a single year, for the score of 'In Cold Blood' and the original song 'The Eyes of Love' from 'Banning.' "He has a legion of friends here," Rashida Jones asserted, "honestly, probably in every room."Preceding her were two of his cherished friends: actor Jamie Foxx, who recounted Jones's invaluable support during his portrayal of Ray Charles in 'Ray,' and Jennifer Hudson, whose vocals framed the tribute with soulful melodies.
"Jones possessed an extraordinary gift for connecting with people," Rashida Jones continued. "He knew how to be present, inquisitive, and loving, and he truly, deeply wished to be with us tonight." Speaking on his behalf, she highlighted his extensive achievements, which encompassed producing Michael Jackson's iconic album 'Thriller,' scoring films like 'The Color Purple,' and penning songs like 'Soul Bossa Nova,' the theme for the 'Austin Powers' series. "His music has literally sculpted a century of diverse genres," she declared, standing alongside three of her siblings on stage. "Yet, the underlying thread in his music is love—it's what infused every note. That was his gift to us. So, as you journey home tonight, I invite you to listen and feel that love."
