Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey reunited on stage at the 2025 Oscars to pay tribute to the late music legend, Quincy Jones.
The two stars, who both earned Oscar nominations for their roles in the 1985 film The Color Purple, delivered an emotional message celebrating Jones’ extraordinary legacy. Not only did he serve as a producer on the film, but he also wrote its iconic score.
“When you hear the name Quincy Jones, your first thought is musical genius—and rightfully so,” Winfrey, 71, began. “28 Grammy Awards, arranger and conductor for legends like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles, and the mastermind behind ‘We Are The World,’ but our beloved Q had an equally profound impact on the film industry as a composer and producer.”
Goldberg, 69, added, “When we talk about Black excellence, we’re talking about Quincy.” She reminded the audience that in 1967, Jones became the first Black composer nominated in the Original Song category for “The Eyes of Love” from the film Banning. “1967 was the first time, just keep that in mind.”
She continued, “Quincy was also nominated that same year for Best Original Music Score for In Cold Blood.”
Goldberg highlighted how Jones earned seven Oscar nominations over his career for his work on The Wiz, In Cold Blood, For Love of Ivy, and The Color Purple—films in which she and Winfrey both played pivotal roles.
The duo then reflected on the profound impact Jones had on both the entertainment industry and their own lives. “Paying tribute to him tonight for everything he’s meant to our movie community is why we honor Q’s memory,” Winfrey said.
“Quincy was love lived out loud in human form, and he poured that love into others and his work. My life changed forever and for the better after meeting him.”
Winfrey added that Jones “discovered me for The Color Purple, which was my first film.”
Goldberg responded, “Me too. So tonight, we honor the true American legend whose music and movies continue to inspire us all,” before introducing a special performance by Queen Latifah in Jones’ honor.
Following Jones’ passing on November 3, 2024, both actresses took to social media to express their grief and gratitude. Goldberg shared on Instagram, “Quincy Jones was my friend, and he was one of a kind. I was lucky enough to have him in my life for all these years.”
Winfrey, in a Nov. 4 Instagram post, wrote, “My beloved Q. The world’s beloved Q. The one and only Quincy Jones ‘discovered’ me for The Color Purple movie in 1985.
My life changed forever for the better after meeting him.” She went on to describe him as “love lived out loud in human form” and the first person she ever loved unconditionally.
“That’s how we signed all our notes to each other, ‘Unconditionally…’” she added, recalling how Jones changed the course of her life when he discovered her for the film.
In interviews and on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jones revealed that he had considered casting Winfrey after seeing her on a Chicago television news station.
The Color Purple was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Goldberg, and Best Supporting Actress for Winfrey. Jones also received nominations for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister).”
During their Oscars tribute, Winfrey spoke about how Jones “discovered” her early in her acting career, emphasizing that The Color Purple was “the most important thing that had ever happened to me.”
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