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The 2025 Oscars stage took on an exceptionally golden glow as Hollywood’s finest celebrated musical icon Quincy Jones.
Following the ceremony’s more somber In Memoriam section, honoring greats like Gene Hackman, James Earl Jones, Maggie Smith, and David Lynch, Grammy–winning legend Queen Latifah appeared at the top of the stage to kick off a much more energetic celebration of Jones’ life, including a performance of The Wiz‘s “Ease On Down the Road.”
Latifah was introduced by Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg and Oscar nominee Oprah Winfrey, who preceeded the tribute’s festivities with a personal celebration of Black excellence. “When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy,” said Goldberg. Jones was the first Black composer nominated in the Original Song category, Goldberg reminded the crowd.
Jones would later be nominated for his work on The Wiz and The Color Purple, for which both Goldberg and Winfrey were nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Throughout the night, Jones’ other famous compositions were played as winners exited the stage, and Best Actress nominee Cynthia Erivo belted out a rendition of “Home” from The Wiz at the top of the show.
Latifah’s performance, complete with dozens of backup dancers in Wicked-inspired golden costumes, concluded with a standing ovation for the industry giant.
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The 2025 Oscars devoted a Broadway-inspired musical number to Quincy Jones, who passed in November 2024.
