Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award on Saturday night in Los Angeles, marking a major recognition for a performer whose work has shaped comedy and film for more than five decades. The honor also highlighted how Murphy’s career has influenced generations of entertainers, especially Black performers who saw him break barriers at a young age.
Murphy accepted the award with the same humor that made him a star, joking about the trophy’s size and drawing a strong reaction from the crowd. He also said he appreciated receiving the honor while still young enough to enjoy it, adding that some winners wait until much later in life for the same recognition.
A night built around Murphy’s influence
The ceremony brought together tributes from across entertainment, including a high-energy performance of songs from Dreamgirls by Jennifer Hudson, who appeared in the film with Murphy. The event also featured praise from fellow comedians Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle and Kenan Thompson, who all pointed to Murphy’s reach as both a comic force and a trailblazer.
Thompson said Murphy was more than an influence, calling him proof that younger performers could take risks, trust their voice and leave a lasting mark. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who worked with Murphy on Dolemite Is My Name, said she learned by observing him on set and described that experience as a lesson no drama school could offer.
From SNL breakout to movie star
Murphy first became a major star on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984, when characters such as Buckwheat and Gumby helped turn him into a household name. He later built a long run in film with leading roles in Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and Norbit, while also earning wide praise for Dreamgirls.
His voice acting expanded that reach even further, with memorable roles as Donkey in Shrek and Mushu in Mulan introducing him to younger audiences. That range helped define Murphy as one of the most recognizable entertainers of his era, moving easily between stand-up, television, live-action film and animation.
Murphy said the moment on stage felt deeply emotional, saying he almost teared up and would cry backstage. The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony will stream on Netflix on May 31, marking the first time the event appears on the platform.
AFI said it was founded in 1967 to preserve film history and culture, honor artists and support future filmmakers. Previous recipients of the Life Achievement Award include John Ford, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, placing Murphy among a small group of entertainers recognized for extraordinary careers that changed the industry.
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