Late musician Quincy Jones was working on Oscar speech before death
Quincy Jones intended to be at the 15th Governors Awards in Los Angeles and had even prepared a speech before his death.
From left: Martina Jones, Rashida Jones, and Quincy Jones III accept a posthumous Honorary Award for Quincy Jones during the 15th Governors Awards on Sunday, Nov 17, 2024, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Quincy Jones was working on his acceptance speech for his honorary Oscar before he died. The legendary music producer died on Nov 3 at the age of 91 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
During the 15th Governors Awards on Sunday (Nov 17), his daughter, actress Rashida Jones, read out a few words from the acceptance speech he was writing for the event.
Reading out her father's speech, Rashida Jones said: "When I was a young film composer, you didn't even see faces of colour working in the studio commissaries.
"I'm so, so proud of the fact that my name and contributions can be included in that evolution.
"I share this award and tonight's honour with all the amazing directors, legendary actors, and of course exceptional songwriters, composers, and musicians who I've formed dear friendships with over my seven decades in this business, and know that I wouldn't trade this night or those experiences for anything in the world."
Rashida Jones felt proud to collect the Lifetime Achievement Oscar on behalf of her father, but she also acknowledged that "it was a difficult decision" to attend the event.
The actress – who has starred in comedy shows such as The Office and Parks And Recreation – said: "In some ways, it was a difficult decision for our family to be here tonight but we felt like we wanted to celebrate his beautiful life and career.
"His music has literally defined an entire century of culture – jazz, disco, film, pop, hip-hop – but the real thread in his music is that his music is all infused with his love."
