Eddie Murphy receives life achievement award by AFI, drawing standing
ovation at star-filled tribute
[April 20, 2026]
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Eddie Murphy took a moment to look out at the
star-studded room at the American Film Institute ceremony — at his
family, his peers, the people who have shared his journey — and let it
all sink in.
“Seeing all of my family, all my kids, my beautiful wife, and seeing all
the different people I worked with, I’m just really filled up,” said
Murphy, who received the life achievement award at the Dolby Theatre in
Los Angeles on Saturday night. “This is a special moment. I wish y’all
could feel what I’m feeling, see what I’m seeing. I almost teared up.
I’m going to get backstage and cry.”
Just before accepting the award, Murphy was met with a standing ovation,
stepping onstage and moving through the ballroom as the applause
followed. Along the way, he passed Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave
Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold.
The tribute, which also featured appearances from Bill Burr, Kevin Hart,
Eva Longoria, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Kenan Thompson, will premiere as
a special on Netflix on May 31.
Murphy, 65, has moved from a teenage stand-up sensation to a breakout
force on “Saturday Night Live” to a box office mainstay with films like
“Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor” and the
“Shrek” franchise.
Large images from those defining moments filled the venue stage, tracing
a career that has crossed stand-up, television and film.
“Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,” said Lee, who
presented the award to Murphy. “I took a camera and told stories on how
our nation could be better. … We both pushed culture forward. ... Every
step of this journey, Eddie has been true to himself.”
Comedians pointed to Murphy’s influence across generations.
“There is no us without you,” Rock said.
Lawrence, who starred in the film “Life” with Murphy, shared a personal
moment from early in his career, recalling how Murphy once declined his
request for a photo. But now, that shouldn't be a problem since their
children married each other in 2025.
“Now I can get all the pictures I want,” Lawrence said with a smile.
“Because we're in-laws.”
Arsenio Hall, Murphy’s longtime collaborator on “Coming to America,”
spoke about Murphy advocating for him in the film and highlighted the
depth of his talent.
“When Eddie does a family film, he plays a whole damn family,” Hall
said.
Chappelle reflected on studying Murphy’s stand-up as a teenager watching
“Raw.” He described Murphy as one of the defining figures in the
industry and shared a recent visit to his home, where seeing Murphy’s
grandchildren playing offered a deeper perspective on his life.
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Eddie Murphy accepts the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award during a
tribute to him on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in
Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
 “I would watch him every day after
school like I was taking a class,” said Chappelle, who also spoke on
an interview where he considered revisiting “Chappelle's Show,” a
project he once stepped away from, calling it one of the most
meaningful experiences of his career.
Chappelle said Murphy encouraged him to revisit the idea, and even
joked about joining the project if it comes to fruition.
“You are still the hero I want to be,” he said.
Stevie Wonder described Murphy’s impact as something that extends
beyond comedy. He showed his deep admiration for the comedian-actor.
“Laughter can make life livable,” Wonder said. “Eddie is more than a
comedian … he is a universal reminder.”
Mike Myers, who co-starred in the “Shrek” films with Murphy,
credited him with helping define one of animation’s most beloved
characters, calling his character portrayal of Donkey a
“masterpiece.”
Jennifer Hudson delivered a musical tribute with performances from “Dreamgirls,”
backed by a house band led by Rickey Minor.
The gala, which raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI’s
nonprofit education programs, also included the presentation of the
Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Autumn Durald
Arkapaw, who spoke about finding her voice through the institute.
Murphy’s career has spanned nearly 50 years, from stand-up stages to
blockbuster films, with a versatility that has kept him relevant
across generations. In 2023, he received the Cecil B. DeMille Award
at the Golden Globes and has spoken about embracing a deeper
appreciation for his journey.
“Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and
ever and ever,” Murphy said. “I love you.”
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