The 15th Governors Awards took place on November 17, 2024, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Ovation Hollywood, serving as a significant event in the Oscar campaign calendar.

Recognized as the second-largest event in the Academy's calendar, the Governors Awards showcase potential Oscar contenders and celebrate significant contributions to cinema.

Richard Curtis received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts, with Hugh Grant humorously introducing him and highlighting Curtis's significant charitable contributions.

This year's ceremony honored the late music icon Quincy Jones, who was posthumously awarded an honorary Oscar accepted by his daughter, Rashida Jones, as well as renowned casting director Juliet Taylor.

The ceremony gathered approximately 207 attendees, including Oscar voters and industry professionals, highlighting its role as a key precursor to the Academy Awards.

Throughout the night, there were light-hearted moments, including a humorous comment from Jamie Foxx about the mood in the room.

Prominent attendees included Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Lawrence, who made a notable appearance showcasing her baby bump on the red carpet.

Academy president Janet Yang acknowledged the recent presidential election and teased the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, with Conan O'Brien as host.

This year's event took on added significance due to the recent passing of Quincy Jones, with plans to commemorate his legacy throughout the ceremony.

The Governors Awards are known for their emotional atmosphere, allowing friends and colleagues to pay tribute to honorary Oscar recipients without the constraints of television broadcasts.

Barbara Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson, producers of the James Bond franchise, received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, with Broccoli being the second woman to earn this honor.

A musical tribute to Quincy Jones featured a performance by Jennifer Hudson, alongside heartfelt remarks from Rashida Jones, emphasizing her father's profound influence on music and culture.