On Sunday night, the 15th annual Governors Awards took place at Ovation Hollywood, a prestigious event hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. As part of this tradition, top Oscar contenders—such as Maria lead actress Angelina Jolie, Gladiator II lead actor Paul Mescal, The Substance lead actress Demi Moore, The Brutalist lead actor Adrien Brody, and supporting actress Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez)—gathered for a black-tie dinner. This is a special occasion where the Academy presents honorary awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the film industry.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments was the posthumous tribute to legendary composer-producer Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91 on November 3. His honorary Oscar statuette was accepted by his daughter, actress-writer Rashida Jones, who delivered a heartfelt speech in honor of her late father, including the speech he had planned to give at the ceremony. The emotional moment was a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy spans multiple genres and decades.

Another honoree was casting director Juliet Taylor, recognized for her extensive work in the film industry, particularly in collaboration with Woody Allen on films dating back to 1975. Taylor, the second casting director to receive an honorary Oscar after the late Lynn Stalmaster, was praised for her extraordinary ability to launch the careers of iconic actors like Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, and Meryl Streep. During her acceptance speech, Taylor acknowledged Allen’s influence on her career, though the audience’s response was notably subdued due to his controversial standing in Hollywood.

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the producers behind the James Bond franchise, were honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. The siblings were celebrated for their contributions to the Bond legacy, with Daniel Craig, the most recent actor to portray Bond, presenting them with the award. This recognition was particularly special as it marked the first time the Thalberg Award was given to multiple generations of the same family. Craig’s lighthearted comment about the next Bond actor being present in the room added a touch of humor to the evening.

Filmmaker Richard Curtis, known for his rom-coms, received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Curtis, a philanthropist and co-founder of Comic Relief, has raised billions for various causes and has worked tirelessly to support global efforts, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. His dedication to using film to raise awareness for important issues was highlighted in a video narrated by Julia Roberts. Curtis, in his acceptance speech, called on the film industry to allocate part of their budgets to “impact-based” initiatives, encouraging a more conscious approach to filmmaking.

Finally, the evening concluded with a tribute to Quincy Jones, whose career spanned over seven decades and touched upon a wide range of musical genres. Jamie Foxx, who paid homage to Jones, had the audience in stitches with his impression of the iconic producer. A musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson brought the crowd to its feet, and Rashida Jones closed the evening with a touching reflection on her father’s legacy, inviting everyone to listen to his music—a gift he left for the world.

The Governors Awards showcased the immense talent and dedication of individuals who have shaped the film industry, and this year’s ceremony was a fitting celebration of their contributions.On Sunday night, the 15th annual Governors Awards took place at Ovation Hollywood, a hallmark event that continues the tradition of honoring those whose exceptional work has contributed to the entertainment industry. This prestigious black-tie dinner, hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was attended by a star-studded crowd of top Oscar contenders, including Maria lead actress Angelina Jolie, Gladiator II lead actor Paul Mescal, The Substance lead actress Demi Moore, The Brutalist lead actor Adrien Brody, and supporting actress Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez). It was an evening that celebrated both iconic figures and emerging talents in film, where the Academy presented special honorary awards to individuals whose impact on the industry cannot be overstated.

The evening’s emotional high point came with the posthumous tribute to legendary composer-producer Quincy Jones. Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91, was one of the most influential figures in music, spanning genres from jazz and R&B to pop, film, and hip-hop. His legacy is truly unparalleled, and his work has touched generations across the globe. His honorary Oscar statuette was accepted by his daughter, actress-writer Rashida Jones, who tearfully delivered an emotional tribute to her father. Flanked by her siblings, Rashida read the speech that Quincy had intended to give at the ceremony, allowing his voice and passion to live on in a deeply personal and moving moment. As Rashida reflected on his profound impact, she reminded everyone of the importance of his music and the love that infused every note. This tribute marked a fitting celebration of the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, a man whose contributions to the entertainment world remain timeless.

In addition to Jones, another standout honoree was casting director Juliet Taylor, who was recognized for her extraordinary career. Known for casting dozens of Woody Allen’s films, Taylor was the second casting director in history to receive this prestigious honor after Lynn Stalmaster. Her work has launched the careers of many iconic actors, from Nicole Kidman and Jodie Foster to Meryl Streep and Kristen Dunst, and she was praised for her instinct and dedication to the craft. Nicole Kidman, who worked with Taylor on many of her films, introduced her with heartfelt words, highlighting Taylor’s immense talent and ability to see potential in emerging actors. A video montage showcased Taylor’s extensive contributions, highlighting how she helped shape the careers of some of the most beloved stars in Hollywood. During her acceptance speech, Taylor acknowledged her longtime collaborator Woody Allen, who, despite the controversies surrounding him, had always supported her in her career. Though the audience’s response was notably subdued in reference to Allen, Taylor’s admiration and gratitude were clear as she reflected on their collaborative history. In her closing remarks, Taylor also took the opportunity to express her excitement for the upcoming debut of a casting Oscar in 2026, an initiative that has been long overdue and will finally recognize the vital role casting directors play in filmmaking.

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the siblings who have overseen the production of the James Bond franchise since the 1990s, were presented with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. The Thalberg Award is one of the most coveted honors in the film industry, given to individuals whose work has demonstrated excellence in film production. Wilson and Broccoli have played a key role in the continued success of the Bond franchise, overseeing every Bond film since 1995’s GoldenEye. Their stewardship has ensured that the Bond legacy remains as vibrant and relevant as ever, with the latest installment of the series continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. In a lighthearted moment, Daniel Craig, who portrayed James Bond in the most recent films, presented the award to the duo. Craig cracked a joke at the beginning, playfully hinting that anyone hoping to learn the identity of the next Bond actor wouldn’t find the answer that night. He then went on to praise Wilson and Broccoli for their dedication to the franchise, highlighting their ability to take risks and their unwavering support for the actors and filmmakers they work with. The video tribute to the Broccoli-Wilson duo included glowing comments from former Bond stars like Pierce Brosnan, Léa Seydoux, Naomie Harris, and Javier Bardem, all of whom celebrated the siblings’ commitment to the Bond films. In their acceptance speeches, Wilson and Broccoli expressed their gratitude for the honor, with Wilson acknowledging the deep influence of past Bond actors and the many individuals who have contributed to the franchise over the years. Barbara, who is only the second woman to ever receive this award, thanked her brother for his constant support and dedication to their shared vision, while also honoring their late father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, the original producer of the Bond films, who laid the foundation for the franchise’s enduring success.

Filmmaker Richard Curtis, best known for his rom-coms such as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually, was the recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Curtis, a prolific philanthropist, co-founded Comic Relief and has raised billions of dollars for various charitable causes. In addition to his philanthropic work, Curtis has been instrumental in raising awareness for issues such as poverty and sustainability, founding initiatives like Make Poverty History and Project Everyone, which supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Hugh Grant, a frequent collaborator of Curtis, presented the award with his trademark wit, joking about the time Curtis nearly cut him from Four Weddings and a Funeral. Curtis accepted the award with humility, dedicating it to the countless charity workers around the world who are working tirelessly to improve lives. He called on the film industry to allocate a portion of their budgets to social impact efforts, emphasizing that the film industry has the power to create real change through thoughtful investments in philanthropy. Curtis also urged his peers to consider how they could make a difference in the world with the resources they have.

The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Quincy Jones, whose extraordinary musical career spanned seven decades. The tribute began with a heartfelt introduction by Jamie Foxx, who had worked closely with Jones throughout his career. Foxx’s impression of Jones had the audience laughing, and it set the stage for Jennifer Hudson’s stunning musical tribute. Hudson’s performance moved the crowd to its feet, and the standing ovation she received underscored the profound impact that Jones’ music has had on the entertainment world. Rashida Jones, in her remarks, invited everyone to take a moment to listen to her father’s music, as it remains an eternal gift to the world. She reflected on how her father’s work transcended genres and cultures, leaving a lasting mark on history.

The 15th Governors Awards were a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection, honoring individuals whose contributions have shaped the film industry and whose legacies continue to inspire. Each honoree’s acceptance speeches reminded everyone of the power of creativity, collaboration, and philanthropy in the world of entertainment.