Queen Latifah is poised to contribute to a homage for Quincy Jones during the 2025 Oscars, airing on Sunday (March 2) from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The actor and artist lent her voice to two pieces on Jones’ 1995 release Q’s Jook Joint.
The announcement was made by Raj Kapoor, the executive producer and showrunner of the telecast, during a virtual press event with the creative team. “This year, one of the most thrilling projects we’ve been working on is a musical act that will honor Quincy Jones,” he stated.
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“We have curated a stunning moment that we hope will elevate the atmosphere, celebrating Quincy’s essence and his immense contributions,” remarked Kapoor, who is co-executive producing the show for the second consecutive year (marking his ninth time with the Oscars team). “It’s a splendid occasion, and we anticipate it will be highly celebratory and make everyone feel great.”
It comes as no shock that Jones will be honored with a special tribute during the show. The renowned producer and musician, who passed away in November at the age of 91, etched his name in Oscar history numerous times. He was the first Black musician appointed as music director for the annual Oscar broadcast. In 1967, he became the first Black composer nominated for an Oscar for best original song. To this day, Jones remains the only Black composer with three nominations in scoring categories, recognized for his work on In Cold Blood (1967), The Wiz (1978), and The Color Purple (1985).
Will Smith, who starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a show that Jones executive produced, would have been a natural fit for the tribute, but he was barred from all Academy Award functions for 10 years in 2023 following his actions during that year’s broadcast.
Smith participated in the tribute to Jones at the Grammy Awards on February 2, where he shared reflections about working alongside Jones on the show, which Kapoor also executive produced. The Grammys featured musical tributes to the cherished musician by Herbie Hancock, Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder, Lainey Wilson, Jacob Collier, and Janelle Monáe.
During the Zoom conference, the Oscars’ first-time music director Michael Bearden expressed that he has long followed in Jones’ path. Both individuals hail from the south side of Chicago, traveled to New York, and eventually settled in Los Angeles. “Quincy is truly the model of what I am capable of achieving,” he stated.
While the creative team was hesitant to reveal surprises, it is anticipated that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will perform a Wicked medley to kick off the Oscars ceremony. Additional performers scheduled for the show include Doja Cat, Raye, and BLACKPINK’S LISA. The 97th Oscars will also feature a special presentation by the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
First-time host Conan O’Brien shared the team’s caution. “You don’t reveal what you’re planning to do. A magician once told me that.”
O’Brien has hosted the Primetime Emmys twice (in 2002 and 2006) and the MTV Movie Awards (in 2014). However, as he noted, the Oscars represent a different realm. “The Oscars feel like all of that on steroids,” he remarked. “The Oscars team operates at an incredibly professional level. It feels like for the first time driving a Ferrari. … I was eager to be part of this magical process.”
O’Brien mentioned that he sought advice from former hosts Billy Crystal and Jimmy Kimmel. Crystal has emceed the show nine times, while Kimmel has done it four times.
Kapoor revealed there would be a charitable element to the show, similar to what was done at the Grammys. “Viewers will have the opportunity to engage, and they are welcome to contribute if they wish.”
Kapoor, Bearden, and O’Brien were joined on the Zoom call by executive producer Katy Mullan, co-executive producer Rob Paine, producer and writer Mike Sweeney, writer Jon Macks, production designer Alana Billingsley, and supervising choreographer Mandy Moore.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
