Eddie Murphy Honored with AFI Life Achievement Award

Comedian and actor Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute's 51st Life Achievement Award during a ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The event featured tributes from numerous peers and collaborators, raised funds for AFI's educational programs, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting May 31.

Event Details and Significance

The ceremony honored Murphy, who is 65 years old. He is the fourth Black artist to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award, following Sidney Poitier (1992), Morgan Freeman (2011), and Denzel Washington (2019). The award has been presented since 1973 to figures including John Ford, Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, and Meryl Streep.

AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale stated the board selected Murphy because, in his view, "with the world being in such a dark place, it would be a good time to honor a person who provides some much needed laughter."

The event raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI's nonprofit education programs.

Tributes from Peers and Collaborators

A wide array of comedians, actors, and musicians delivered remarks and performances. Attendees and presenters included:

• Chris Rock
• Dave Chappelle
• Kevin Hart
• Martin Lawrence
• Bill Burr
• Mike Myers
• Tracy Morgan
• Kenan Thompson
• Arsenio Hall
• Stevie Wonder
• Robert Townsend
• Judge Reinhold
• Spike Lee
• Eva Longoria
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph
• Jennifer Hudson (who performed a medley from "Dreamgirls")

Selected statements from the ceremony:

• Kevin Hart said, "You truly mean everything to me in this business. I stand where I stand today because of the work that you did before me, the doors that you opened up before me."
• Dave Chappelle recounted watching Murphy's stand-up special "Raw" at age 14, stating, "I knew somehow this was something really important in my life."
• Spike Lee, who presented the award, said, "Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better... Every step of this journey, Eddie has been true to himself."
• Martin Lawrence recalled that Murphy once declined his request for a photo early in his career, but noted that their children married each other in 2025.
• Arsenio Hall said, "When Eddie does a family film, he played a whole damn family. Black characters, white characters, old Jewish men, a prince, a member of Congress, a human spaceship, Gumby, a donkey. That’s range."
• Mike Myers, appearing in costume as Shrek, credited Murphy with helping define the Donkey character, calling his portrayal a "masterpiece."
• Stevie Wonder said, "Eddie has shown me and us the power and courage of being funny."
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph stated, "To be vouched [for] by someone like Eddie is like being knighted by a king in this industry."
• Kenan Thompson said, "You aren't just a legend, you are the blueprint, bro."
• The tribute included a pre-recorded video from 99-year-old Mel Brooks, a past recipient of the award.

Murphy's Career and Acceptance

Clip reels and discussions referenced Murphy's extensive career, which began with teenage stand-up comedy before joining "Saturday Night Live." His film work includes roles in "48 Hrs.," "Trading Places," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Coming to America," "The Nutty Professor," the "Shrek" franchise, "Dreamgirls," "Dolemite Is My Name," and the upcoming "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

In his acceptance speech, Murphy commented on the size of the trophy and noted he was receiving the award at a younger age than some past recipients. He stated he has upcoming projects, including a potential biopic of George Clinton and a role as Inspector Clouseau in a new "Pink Panther" film.

Additional Honors

Earlier in the evening, the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal was presented to cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Murphy previously received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2023.