LOS ANGELES – Iconic musician Quincy Jones was awarded an Academy Award just weeks after his passing, creating a deeply emotional moment.

Jones, who passed away on November 3 at the age of 91, was posthumously honored with an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards held on Sunday. His grieving family accepted the award during a heartfelt ceremony that included a moving musical tribute led by Jennifer Hudson.

Additionally, casting director Juliet Taylor received an honorary Oscar, while British screenwriter and director Richard Curtis, known for hits like “Love Actually” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for outstanding film producers was given to siblings Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the driving force behind the renowned James Bond franchise.

The Governors Awards, held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom Theatre, marked the unofficial kickoff to the movie awards season, attracting celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence (who showcased her baby bump), Tom Hanks, Demi Moore, Kevin Costner, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldaña, and Angelina Jolie.

The award recipients will be formally recognized at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2.

Rashida Jones Celebrates Her Father’s Remarkable Life

Jamie Foxx presented the posthumous Oscar to Jones, delivering a spot-on impression that had the family alternating between laughter and tears.

“I’m here to honor a legend, a friend, and a source of inspiration,” Foxx said of Jones, who received seven Oscar nominations and made history in 1967 as the first Black composer nominated for Best Original Song with “In Cold Blood.”

“Whenever we hear Quincy’s name, we think of his musical genius,” Foxx stated. “But the truth is, he also had a significant impact on the film industry as a composer and producer.”

Jones’ daughter, Rashida Jones, represented the family, speaking emotionally at the awards podium surrounded by relatives.

“It’s been two weeks since our dad passed away. He was looking forward to being here tonight,” she remarked, her voice filled with emotion. “Deciding to come was tough for us, but we wanted to celebrate his amazing life and legacy.”

Rashida read aloud her father’s acceptance speech, which he’d prepared over the past month.

“He embraced life fully. He often said, ‘Live every day as if it’s your last, and one day you’ll be right,'” Rashida reflected on her father’s philosophy. “And he truly did, living the biggest, most beautiful life filled with love every single day. In his honor, embrace love in everything you do.”

Hugh Grant Celebrates Richard Curtis’ Impressive Career

Hugh Grant humorously claimed that Curtis had attempted to block him from being cast in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” due to an “instant dislike” of him. Regardless, Grant praised Curtis for his “incredibly successful career,” which includes hits like “Love Actually” and the “Bridget Jones” series.

Curtis received the award for his philanthropic endeavors, notably for creating Comic Relief, a global television fundraiser that has raised 2.5 billion dollars, as highlighted in a tribute film narrated by Julia Roberts prior to the award presentation.

“In the midst of all this, while trying to revive the British film industry, Curtis decided to aim for global change,” Grant commented on Curtis’s philanthropic efforts. “It was rather frustrating because during my own career lows, stemming from a flop or an arrest, I’d often be eager for Richard’s next project, only to hear, ‘Sorry, he’s off in Africa for a year helping starving kids.’ I found that quite bothersome, to be honest.”

“It’s probably beyond his capabilities,” Curtis quipped regarding Grant’s capacity for kindness in acting. “I do recommend his latest film, a documentary titled ‘The Heretic.’

Even Daniel Craig is Curious About the Next James Bond

Veteran James Bond actor Daniel Craig handed the honorary Oscar to producers Broccoli and Wilson.

“Let’s clear this up: Everyone is here to discover who the next James Bond will be,” Craig remarked. “That person might even be in this room.”

The producers’ father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, initiated the James Bond series back in 1962.

“In their four decades of managing this franchise, Barbara and Michael have not only strengthened its legacy,” Craig said. “They took their father’s creation and enhanced it even further.”

Broccoli shared memories of her father’s honorary Oscar win in 1981.

“A farm boy who succeeded in Hollywood, this award was his prized possession,” Broccoli recalled. “My dad was, and will always be, my guiding star. Thank you, Daddy, for providing me with the most incredible life.”