March 3, 2025: The 2025 Oscars ceremony was a night of celebration, but one of the most poignant moments came when Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg took the stage to honor the legendary Quincy Jones. The two actresses, who famously starred together in The Color Purple, were instrumental in paying tribute to Jones' immense contribution to both music and film.
Quincy Jones' career has spanned over six decades, and his influence continues to reverberate in both industries. Oprah Winfrey, her voice filled with admiration, shared, "Tonight, we honor the true American legend, whose movies and music continue to inspire us all."
Whoopi Goldberg, equally emotional, added, "When we talk about Black excellence, we're talking about Quincy." She went on to highlight the significance of Jones' groundbreaking accomplishments, including his nomination in 1967 for Best Original Song for The Eyes of Love from the film Banning, making him the first Black composer to be nominated in that category.
The tribute didn’t stop with just words. Queen Latifah, another powerhouse in the entertainment industry, performed a stirring rendition of Ease on Down the Road from The Wiz—a film produced by Jones. The performance was electrifying, with backup singers and dancers adding energy to the already emotional atmosphere.
Jones’ illustrious career includes an incredible 28 Grammy Awards, including six for his iconic 1990 album Back on the Block. He was also nominated for seven Oscars, including recognition for his work on The Color Purple, a film that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
As the tribute unfolded, it was clear that Quincy Jones is not just a music and film icon, but a symbol of excellence, resilience, and creative brilliance. The heartfelt celebration at the Oscars was a well-deserved recognition of his legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
