Quincy Jones Receives Posthumous Honorary Academy Award At Governors Awards
Quincy Jones has been posthumously honored with a special Academy Award, just two weeks after his passing at age 91. The legendary musician, producer, and composer, who passed away on November 3 from pancreatic cancer, was celebrated at the Governors Awards on November 17, in Hollywood. His children, including actress Rashida Jones, were on hand to accept the prestigious honor on his behalf.
Jamie Foxx, who had a deep personal connection with Quincy, introduced the award with a moving tribute to his friend and mentor. Jamie spoke about how Quincy had a profound impact on his own career, especially when he helped him prepare for his Oscar-winning role as Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray.
The 56-year-old actor also recalled how Quincy played him an old cassette of a young Ray Charles at his home to help him understand the soul of the character.
In his heartfelt speech, Jamie also recognized Quincy’s work as an advocate for Down syndrome, particularly through his efforts with his late sister DeOndra Dixon, who was born with the condition. DeOndra, who passed away in 2020, was honored by Quincy’s foundation with its highest award, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.
In conclusion, he said, “Quincy, thank you for giving the world music. Thank you for giving the world light. Thank you for giving the world an example of what a great human being is supposed to be like.”
Rashida Jones, along with her siblings, took the stage to accept the Oscar. She shared a speech her father had written for the event before his passing, and spoke movingly about his legacy. “In some ways, it was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight,” she said, “but we felt like we wanted to celebrate his beautiful life and career.”
Rashida went on to highlight her father’s musical influence, which spanned decades and genres, from jazz and disco to pop, R&B, and hip-hop.
“…His music was all infused with his love. That was his gift to us,” she said, adding, “You lived the biggest, best, most beautiful life of love every single day you were here.”
“In honor of our dad, we hope you will do the same,” she further stated.
Quincy’s influence on music and film is undeniable. As a producer, composer, and arranger, he shaped the sound of numerous iconic films, including The Wiz, In Cold Blood, The Color Purple, and For Love of Ivy. In 1993, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his contributions to both the arts and society. This year, the Academy presented similar honorary awards to filmmaker Richard Curtis, casting director Juliet Taylor, and James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
While Quincy was honored for his artistic genius and boundless creativity, his legacy is also one of kindness and generosity. Rashida concluded her emotional speech with a message her father would have wanted to share: “Live with love, lead with love. Bring love to everything that you do.”
A private funeral for Quincy was held in Los Angeles, attended by close family members, and a public memorial service in his honor is in the works.
