Nationwide — Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg paid tribute to Quincy Jones at the recent Oscars, celebrating his legacy in music and film. The legendary producer and composer passed away in November at the age of 91. The audience gave a long-standing ovation, celebrating his groundbreaking contributions.
Winfrey and Goldberg took the stage at the Dolby Theatre, highlighting Jones’ impact, according to Rolling Out.
“When one hears the name Quincy Jones, one’s first thought is ‘musical genius’,” Winfrey said, highlighting his 28 Grammy wins and collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. He also produced the global hit We Are the World and composed scores for numerous films.
“When we talk about Black excellence, we talk about Quincy,” Goldberg added. She emphasized how Jones broke barriers in the film industry, becoming the first Black composer nominated for an Original Song Oscar in 1967. He earned seven Oscar nominations, including for The Wiz, The Love of Ivy, and The Color Purple.
Winfrey also credited him for discovering her in The Color Purple, which launched her acting career. “My life changed for the better after meeting him,” she said.
Goldberg added, “Me too. So tonight we honor the true American legend whose music and movies continue to inspire us all.”
The tribute culminated with Queen Latifah’s surprise performance of Ease on Down from The Wiz, featuring dancers in costumes inspired by the film.
The ceremony honored Jones not just as a music and film pioneer but as a trailblazer for Black artists. A closing montage highlighted his decades-long impact, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.