Quincy Jones Receives Honorary Oscar with Emotional Tribute from Rashida Jones and Jamie Foxx
Rashida Jones and Jamie Foxx delivered emotional and heartfelt tributes to the legendary Quincy Jones at the Motion Picture Academy’s annual Governors Awards this past weekend.
On Sunday night (Nov. 17), Jones, joined by her siblings, took to the stage to accept the honorary Oscar on behalf of her father. In a poignant moment, the “Parks and Recreation” alum read excerpts from a speech Quincy had been working on before his passing two weeks ago.
“I want you to know that he is here, very much here," she told the audience. "His music has literally defined an entire century of culture-spanning genres: jazz, disco, film, pop, R&B, hip-hop. But the real thread through it all is that his music is infused with his love. That was his gift to us," she added.
Rashida also shared a deeply personal reflection on how her father lived with love every single day. "That was his real legacy: love," she said. "He loved life, and he often said, ‘Live every day like it’s your last, and one day you’ll be right.’ And you did, Dad. You did."
Meanwhile, Academy Award winner Foxx also took to the stage to honor his dear friend, paying tribute to the seven-time Oscar nominee for the “creativity and brilliance he brought to cinema.”
The “Ray” star also thanked Quincy for his unwavering advocacy for Down syndrome, especially in light of his late sister, DeOndra Dixon, who was born with the condition and passed away in 2020.
"She inspired the foundation's highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. She was its first recipient. And for that, I'm forever grateful," the actor said.
The legendary music producer passed away on Nov. 3 at his home in Bel-Air, Los Angeles. He died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 91.
