Oscars 2025: Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah and Queen Latifah lead moving Quincy Jones tribute

Queen Latifah's performance was introduced by Oprah and Whoopi Goldberg, all as part of a tribute to the late producer and composer Quincy Jones

Hollywood icons Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey reunited on stage at the Oscars to pay tribute to their late friend and collaborator, Quincy Jones.

The legendary producer and composer, who passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91 due to pancreatic cancer, was honoured for his monumental contributions to the entertainment industry.

Goldberg, 69, and Winfrey, 71, both starred in the 1985 film adaptation of Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple, a project that Jones produced and scored. The film, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, received 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Goldberg and Best Supporting Actress for Winfrey.

Taking the stage together, the duo reflected on Jones's profound impact on their careers and the broader cultural landscape. Winfrey began by lauding Jones as a "musical genius" whose work transcended genres and generations. She credited him with discovering her for The Color Purple, stating, "My life changed forever and for the better after meeting him."

Goldberg emphasised Jones's embodiment of Black excellence and his unwavering support throughout her career. She noted that Jones was the first Black composer nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the 1967 film In Cold Blood, a milestone that paved the way for future generations of artists.

Following their heartfelt remarks, Goldberg and Winfrey introduced Queen Latifah, who delivered a rousing performance of "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz (1978), a film for which Jones produced the soundtrack.

Jones's career spanned over seven decades, during which he earned 28 Grammy Awards and produced iconic albums such as Michael Jackson's Thriller, the best-selling album in pop history.

His influence extended beyond music into film and television, where he composed scores for over 30 feature films and created memorable TV themes.

In recognition of his unparalleled contributions, Jones was posthumously awarded an Honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November 2024. His daughter, Rashida Jones, accepted the award on his behalf, celebrating her father's legacy and his role in breaking racial barriers within the industry.

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