The American musician and producer Quincy Jones, who died in early November at the age of 91, received an honorary Oscar on Sunday at the Academy Awards that recognize outstanding careers.
A collaborator with legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, Jones died on November 4 in Los Angeles due to pancreatic cancer.
His daughter, actress Rashida Jones, received the statuette instead of her father, who would have been “very excited” to be there, he said.
“He used to say, ‘Live each day as if it were your last and one day you’ll be right.’ And that’s what he did… (lived) the best, most beautiful life,” Rashida said to a standing ovation.
Jones became known for producing hits that marked the music industry and became the first black executive of a major record label, details who.com
“But the truth is that the man had an equally powerful impact on the world of cinema,” said actor Jamie Foxx when presenting the award.
Jones produced major films such as The Color Purple (1985) and received several Oscar nominations for songs and soundtracks, including In Cold Blood (1967) y The Magician (1978).
The Chicago-born artist also founded a hip-hop magazine and produced the famous television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airwhich made Will Smith famous.
The honorary Oscars are presented annually at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ so-called Governors Awards, which honor lifetime achievements, and became a standalone event in 2009 to decongest the main awards show.
Ating to see him bring together such incredible talent and create magic. My dad didn’t just focus on his solo projects; he was passionate about mentorship and nurturing the next generation of artists, which is something that really extended his impact beyond the studio. He often hosted jam sessions and workshops, providing a space where young musicians could experiment and find their voice. His belief in collaboration fostered a vibrant community that transcended music and influenced numerous artistic disciplines, including film and television.
Thank you for joining us today, Rashida and Jamie. Let’s start with you, Rashida. As the daughter of Quincy Jones, you shared an incredibly special bond with him. Can you tell us about your father’s passion for music and how it translated into his work in film?
Rashida: Absolutely. My dad was a true pioneer in the music industry, and he had a deep love for all forms of art – including film. He believed that music and film had the power to bring people together, to tell stories, and to create change. He was always pushing boundaries, experimenting with new sounds and collaborating with the greatest talents of his time. His work on soundtracks like The Color Purple showcased his ability to blend different genres and styles to create something truly memorable and impactful. He was also ahead of his time when it came to working with black artists and talent, helping to break down barriers in an industry that was often very closed off.
Jamie, as an actor and fellow artist, can you speak to Quincy Jones’ influence on the film industry? From his work on award-winning movies to his innovative soundtracks, what do you think was his biggest contribution to cinema?
Jamie: Quincy Jones’ impact on film cannot be overstated. He was not only a great producer, but also a visionary who understood the power of music in storytelling. He knew how to elevate a scene or highlight an emotion through his use of score and song. His work on The Color Purple was groundbreaking, but he also did amazing things with films like In Cold Blood and The Pawnbroker. He showed that music could be used to bring depth and complexity to any narrative, regardless of genre. Additionally, his openness to collaboration and willingness to take risks helped to shape the industry as a whole. He was truly a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
Rashida, what are some of your fondest memories of your father’s musical career? And how did his contributions extend beyond just his work in the studio?
Rashida: Some of my fondest memories of my father involve watching him work in the studio with legendary artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin. It was always fascin
