Quincy Jones Tribute at 2025 Oscars: Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg Honor Late Legend

Image credits: Kevin Winter/Getty

The 2025 Oscars ceremony featured a heartfelt tribute to the late Quincy Jones, with Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg reuniting on stage to honor the legendary musician and producer. Jones, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91, left an indelible mark on the film industry, and his contributions were celebrated by the two actresses who starred in the 1985 adaptation of The Color Purple. The film, which was produced and scored by Jones, earned 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Goldberg, and Best Supporting Actress for Winfrey.

Winfrey and Goldberg delivered an emotional speech, highlighting Jones' impact on the entertainment industry and their personal lives. They noted that Jones was a musical genius who worked with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles, and was also a driving force behind the iconic song "We Are The World." The pair also shared how Jones discovered them for their roles in The Color Purple, which was Winfrey's first film and a breakthrough role for Goldberg. Jones' legacy extends beyond his work on The Color Purple, with a career spanning over six decades and numerous award-winning films, including The Wiz and In Cold Blood.

The tribute also featured a performance by Queen Latifah, who sang "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz, a film that Jones produced and scored. The performance was a fitting tribute to Jones' innovative and genre-defying work in film music. Winfrey and Goldberg's speech was a testament to the lasting impact of Jones' work and his influence on future generations of filmmakers and musicians. The 2025 Oscars ceremony was a celebration of Jones' life and legacy, and the tribute was a highlight of the evening, with many in attendance taking to social media to praise the heartfelt and emotional tribute.

Some of the notable films and projects that Quincy Jones worked on include:

• The Color Purple (1985)
• The Wiz (1978)
• In Cold Blood (1967)
• The Getaway (1972)
• The Italian Job (1969)

These films showcase Jones' versatility and range as a composer and producer, and his ability to work on a wide range of projects. His legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of filmmakers and musicians, and his impact on the entertainment industry will be felt for years to come.

The 2025 Oscars ceremony was a celebration of the best in film, and the tribute to Quincy Jones was a reminder of the power of music and film to bring people together and transcend generations. Winfrey and Goldberg's reunion on stage was a highlight of the evening, and their heartfelt tribute to Jones was a testament to the lasting impact of his work. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and change, the legacy of Quincy Jones will remain an important part of its history and heritage, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come, with his music and films remaining a timeless part of our cultural landscape.

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