Just weeks after his death at the age of 91, legendary music producer and composer Quincy Jones was awarded an honorary Oscar by the Hollywood Film Academy at a gala ceremony. Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson and the producers of the “James Bond” films received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the annual Governors Awards, which was attended by stars including Tom Hanks, Jude Law and Kate Winslet. Jones, who died on November 3, worked with musicians from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and reshaped pop music with his collaborations with Michael Jackson over a 70-year career. In 1971, he served as musical director and conductor of the 43rd Academy Awards. He composed the scores for “The Wiz” and “The Color Purple.”
Jones’s honorary Oscar was presented to his children, including actress Rashida Jones, who read the speech he had prepared for the awards. “Our father passed away. He would have been so thrilled to be here and so many of his family are here. There are four of us out of seven and our family is here too. He has so many friends in this room. Well, actually, probably in every room, to be honest, because wherever he went, he made friends. He had this uncanny gift with people, he knew how to be present and loving. I want you to know that he is here.” Broccoli and Wilson were introduced by Daniel Craig, the actor who played the last “James Bond.” He praised the pair, saying: “I can’t tell you how much I admire your integrity. “Good evening! The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award is given to creative producers whose body of work reflects the highest quality of filmmaking. Tonight, I have the honor and privilege of presenting it to my dear friends, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. But first, let’s make something clear, you came here tonight to find out who the next James Bond is. Don’t look at me, he could be right here in this room.”
“I am deeply grateful and moved because I saw my father accept this award in 1981. A boy from a rural area who made it into the world of Hollywood. This award was his most precious possession. My father was and always will be my star. Thank you, Dad, for giving me the most beautiful life imaginable!”
British romantic comedy writer and director Richard Curtis, who wrote and directed “Love Actually” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropy. Curtis co-founded Comic Relief, which has raised more than 1 billion pounds to help children around the world. “I feel very excited. I was very curious how Hugh would turn his infamous character around in order to give me this award and he didn’t mind. I’m very excited. He’s never been able to act much and it would have been beyond, probably beyond his scope. But by the way, I recommend this new film. He’s in this documentary called Heretic, about Hughes’ home life.” Juliet Taylor, the casting director who worked on “Mississippi Burning” and “Hannah and Her Sisters,” also received an honorary Oscar. The awards ceremony was attended by many Hollywood stars, including Angelina Jolie.
