Eddie Murphy Receives AFI’s Highest Honor

Eddie Murphy has been awarded the prestigious American Film Institute Life Achievement Award, a recognition reserved for artists whose work has left a lasting mark on the world of film. From rising as a star on “Saturday Night Live” to appearing in box office hits, Murphy’s career spans decades of influence, reinvention, and lasting cultural impact.

Eddie Murphy’s Special Moment

On April 18, entertainers gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to celebrate the career of Eddie Murphy, who was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, which is given to artists whose “work has stood the test of time,” per the organization.

The audience, which consisted of Murphy’s friends, family, and peers, gave a standing ovation as the 65-year-old actor walked to the podium to receive his award. “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,” Murphy said.

Filmmaker Spike Lee presented the award to the actor, and among those in attendance were Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Arsenio Hall, Tracy Morgan, and Kevin Hart.

“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,” said Murphy.

Mike Myers Appeared As Shrek

Mike Myers, Murphy’s longtime friend and co-star on the “Shrek” franchise, was among those who honored the comedian. Donning a black suit with a bowtie paired with swamp green makeup and Shrek ears, Myers took the stage to say a few words about his friend.

“None of ‘Shrek’s success could have happened without Eddie Murphy,” said Myers, adding that Murphy’s character in the franchise, Donkey, is a “masterpiece.” He then described the actor, saying, “Lovable, hilarious, joyous, vulnerable, and loyal. Eddie combines all of those in a tour de force, and plainly put, Eddie is one of the greatest.”

The first “Shrek” movie was released in 2001, and three more movies have come out since. Murphy and Myers will reunite once again as Shrek and Donkey in the fifth installment, which is slated for release in 2027. In 2025, Murphy also confirmed that a Donkey spinoff was in the works, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Dave Chappelle Referred To Eddie Murphy As His Hero

Comedian Dave Chappelle also honored Murphy, saying that among the people whom he looked up to, he was the only one left. “You were the hero I worried about… It was you, Michael Jackson, Rick James, and Prince. All of whom are deceased, and somehow, you survived it,” Chappelle said. He shared that as a teen, he watched Murphy’s 1987 stand-up comedy film “Raw” daily after getting home from school.

Chappelle also shared a glimpse of the depth of their relationship, revealing that he visited the actor shortly after his 65th birthday on April 3. The comedian worked with Murphy’s late brother, Charlie Murphy, on “The Chappelle Show,” and it was the first time the two discussed Charlie since he passed away from leukemia in 2017.

Murphy urged Chappelle to do “The Chappele Show” movie, and it seems the latter is open to the idea but admitted that it “would be tough” without Charlie. “So Eddie, if I do it, man, do the Charlie parts and let’s f-cking go,” the comedian said.

Stevie Wonder Made A Surprise Appearance

Music legend Stevie Wonder surprised the audience with an appearance, sharing that he first came to know about Murphy due to his impersonation of him on “SNL.” “He made fun of a blind man,” Wonder said jokingly to the crowd.

On a more serious note, Wonder said, “It’s not easy to make people smile, trying to get them to look on the brighter side, but Eddie has a way of getting in our head and hearts to create a belly laugh that eases the pain, builds the bridge, and diffuses a situation that makes a real difference.”

Murphy’s most notable impression of Wonder was in the 1982 “SNL” sketch, where he sang a duet with Joe Piscopo as Frank Sinatra. In 1983, Murphy and Wonder appeared together in a sketch in which the former played a Stevie Wonder impersonator coaching the real Stevie Wonder to impersonate himself.

Eddie Murphy’s Decades-Long Career

Murphy started in the comedy scene in his teens, and his career skyrocketed when he was cast on “SNL” in December 1980. In the years following, his stand-up comedy specials helped cement his reputation as one of the best comedians of his generation.

From there, Murphy transitioned to movies, starring in films such as “48 Hrs.,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” and “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor,” and the “Shrek” movies. Despite being known for his comedy chops, the actor has also taken serious roles in films, including the character of Jimmy “Thunder” Early in the movie “Dreamgirls,” which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Murphy has a slew of projects in the works, including a fifth installment of “Beverly Hills Cop,” the Donkey spin-off film, and producing a George Clinton biopic.

“The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy” will be available to stream on Netflix on May 31.