LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Oscars this year delivered a poignant homage to the late Gene Hackman alongside a jubilant celebration of the life and legacy of Quincy Jones. The ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre, opened with a somber tone as Morgan Freeman reflected on his friendship with Hackman, who recently passed away. Just five days prior to the event, Hackman, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog, was discovered dead in their New Mexico home, a situation that remains under investigation.
Freeman, known for his heartfelt remarks, shared, “This week our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.” He highlighted Hackman’s impressive accolades, stating, “He received two Oscars and, more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.” The emotional tribute concluded with Freeman recalling Hackman’s own words about legacy, reassuring the audience that he would be remembered with kindness and admiration.
Gene Hackman, 95 years old at the time of his passing, was celebrated for his extensive career, including notable roles in films such as “The French Connection,” for which he won his first Oscar, and “Unforgiven,” which secured him a second. The heartfelt segment dedicated to Hackman was soon followed by the traditional “In Memoriam” montage, spotlighting other film industry figures lost over the past year, including celebrated director David Lynch and actors such as Maggie Smith and James Earl Jones.
In stark contrast, the tone of the evening shifted with the tribute to Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3 at the age of 91. Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg took the stage to highlight Jones’s monumental contributions both to music and film. “When one hears the name Quincy Jones, one’s first thought is musical genius,” Winfrey observed, pointing out his profound impact on the film industry as a composer and producer.
Goldberg emphasized the importance of Jones in celebrating Black excellence, stating, “When we talk about black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy.” The celebration of Jones included an energizing performance by Queen Latifah, who delivered a spirited rendition of “Ease on Down the Road,” a song from “The Wiz.” This song was part of the soundtrack that Jones developed, further showcasing his multifaceted talent as a seven-time Oscar nominee.
The evening also honored Jones with a tribute at the beginning, featuring Cynthia Erivo performing “Home” from “The Wiz” alongside her co-star from “Wicked,” Ariana Grande. Winfrey shared a personal connection, stating that Jones “actually discovered me for ‘The Color Purple,’ which was my first film.” Notably, Jones was awarded his second honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November, occurring just two weeks after his passing.
The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of these iconic figures but also served as a reminder of the deep impact they had on the film industry and popular culture. The Hackman segment’s transition into the heartfelt memorial footage reflected the Academy’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacies of those who contributed significantly to cinema.
As the Oscars continue to evolve, these tributes show the Academy’s recognition of the artistry and heartfelt connections that define cinematic storytelling, connecting audiences with the memories of beloved artists who have left a lasting imprint in the industry.
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