The 97th Academy Awards will feature a special tribute to legendary music producer Quincy Jones, with Queen Latifah set to perform in honor of his contributions.
Raj Kapoor, the executive producer of the ceremony, revealed the news during a press conference with the creative team. “One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s show is a musical tribute to Quincy Jones,” he said, confirming that Queen Latifah will be part of the performance.
Earlier this year, Jones was honored with a Governor’s Award. Kapoor shared that the tribute would be a carefully curated moment designed to celebrate Jones’s legacy. “We’ve created a beautiful performance that we hope will uplift the audience and honor Quincy’s greatness,” he explained. “It’s a moment meant to be joyous and celebratory, one that will make everyone feel good.”
In addition to the Quincy Jones tribute, the Oscars will feature a performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who will perform a medley from Wicked to kick off the ceremony. Other performers include Blackpink’s Lisa, who currently stars in The White Lotus, as well as Doja Cat and Raye.
A special appearance by the Los Angeles Master Chorale has also been announced for the 97th Oscars.
Kapoor went on to discuss the overarching themes of the 2025 Academy Awards. The ceremony will focus on community and the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the film industry. Kapoor emphasized that the show will honor Los Angeles, highlighting the city’s resilience in the face of challenges. “It’s a significant theme this year, as many people have been affected by the devastation. We want to create beautiful moments that celebrate this amazing city,” he said.
Additionally, Kapoor revealed that this year’s ceremony will have a charitable component, allowing the audience to interact and contribute donations if they choose.
Kapoor was joined by several key figures from the production team, including host Conan O’Brien, executive producer Katy Mullan, co-executive producer Rob Paine, and others.
Alana Billingsley, the production designer, spoke about the immersive nature of the show. “We wanted to bring the set into the room, wrapping the space to create an experience that nods to the architecture of movie theaters and the large screens,” she said.
In a first for the Oscars, Billingsley noted that the orchestra will play a central role in the evening. “We’ve given the orchestra a prominent position on stage, and they’ll be visible throughout the night, not just as background, but as a celebrated part of the performance,” she explained. “When the doors open and you feel the orchestra’s presence, it will truly be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.”
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