In a glittering evening that mixed Hollywood glamour with raw emotion, the Academy’s Governors Awards transformed into an unforgettable celebration of cinema legends and a poignant farewell to one of music’s greatest icons.
Quincy Jones‘ presence filled the Ray Dolby Ballroom even in his absence, as his daughter Rashida Jones delivered the acceptance speech he had carefully prepared before his passing just two weeks ago. “His music has literally defined an entire century of culture,” she shared, her voice carrying the weight of both pride and loss. The tribute featured a soul-stirring performance by Jennifer Hudson and a characteristically energetic speech by Jamie Foxx.
The star power in the room was electric. Angelina Jolie arrived with her son Knox, while Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, and countless other A-listers mingled during the reception. Barry Keoghan proved to be the night’s most animated guest, bouncing between conversations and photo opportunities with fellow stars.
Bond fever gripped the audience when Daniel Craig took the stage to present the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Craig playfully teased the crowd about the next 007: “You came here tonight to find out who the next James Bond is. He’s not in this room. Or maybe he is. Don’t look at me.”
The evening’s humor reached new heights when Hugh Grant introduced filmmaker Richard Curtis. Hugh Grant’s sharp wit kept the audience captivated as he referred to Curtis’s honorary Oscar as a “better-than-nothing Oscar.” Curtis, known for romantic comedy classics like “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill,” used his platform to advocate for meaningful change in Hollywood.
Making history, Juliet Taylor became the first casting director to receive an Oscar. Her groundbreaking work on films like “The Exorcist” and “Terms of Endearment” paved the way for the Academy’s decision to add a competitive casting category starting in 2026.
The reception buzzed with excitement as industry heavyweights shared war stories and hopes for the upcoming awards season. Colman Domingo emerged as the evening’s most skillful networker, charming everyone from industry veterans to newcomers with genuine warmth and interest.
The evening expertly struck a balance between celebration and substance. While some guests discussed upcoming projects and Oscar campaigns, others reflected on the industry’s evolution and future. Sharon Stone captured a moment between Natasha Lyonne and director Azazel Jacobs, encouraging them to “show us how lucky you are!”
As the evening drew to a close, Rashida Jones invited everyone to explore her father’s lesser-known works: “There’s an entire universe waiting in his seven decades of music. As you listen, hear how he instilled love into every single second of the music he created. That was his real legacy: love.”
This year’s Governors Awards proved that even in an industry often criticized for its superficiality, genuine moments of connection, creativity, and compassion still shine through. As one attendee pointed out, the Governors Awards embodied “everything that the Oscars are not”—they were intimate, heartfelt, and authentically moving.
The event set the stage for what promises to be an exciting awards season, while reminding everyone that beyond the glamour and competition, the true heart of Hollywood beats in these moments of recognition, reflection, and celebration of artistic achievement.