If seeing a performance from Doja Cat and Oscar nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande aren’t enough reasons to tune in for The 97th Academy Awards, here’s one more to pop bubbly and watch. Queen Latifah is commanding the mic this Sunday to honor Quincy Jones. The famed producer, composer and activist died on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 91.
The creatives behind the 97th Academy Awards shared during a press conference that the live broadcast will feature a musical performance tribute for Jones, the recipient of a governor’s award this year. “We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room and celebrate the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness.”
It’s the kind of breakout segment that the ceremony’s music director, Michael Bearden, is fired up for. “I’m from the south side of Chicago, so was Quincy; he moved to New York, so did I. He moved to L.A., so did I. Quincy is really the blueprint of what I’ve been able to do.”
Bearden also shared the vibe he wants to create with the ceremony’s music. “I asked my orchestra as we were just working and preparing for the show, the intention in my room was to expand upon the collaboration and connection and to joy, love, inspiration, uplift, oneness, all the things,” he shared. “Because if we feel this nine times outta 10, somebody else is gonna feel that after we put it out in the world.”
Jones received several Oscar nominations during his lifetime, including in 1968 for Best Original Song for the Picture: “For Love of Ivy” from For Love Of Ivy; in 1978 for Best Adaptation Score for The Wiz and in 1985 for Best Original Song:
“Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” from The Color Purple. Jones also received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, given to an individual’s “outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes” in 1985.
The 97th Academy Awards airs live on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. on ABC and Hulu.
