Eddie Murphy took a second to look out on the star-studded room on the American Film Institute ceremony — at his household, his friends, the individuals who have shared his journey — and let all of it 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,” mentioned Murphy, who acquired the life achievement award on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday evening. “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 earlier than accepting the award, Murphy was met with a standing ovation, stepping onstage and shifting by means of the ballroom because the applause adopted. Along the way in which, he handed Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold.
The tribute, which additionally featured appearances from Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Kenan Thompson, will premiere as a particular on Netflix on May 31.
Murphy, 64, has moved from a teenage stand-up sensation to a breakout drive on “Saturday Night Live” to a field workplace mainstay with movies like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor” and the “Shrek” franchise.
Large pictures from these defining moments crammed the venue, tracing a profession that has crossed stand-up, tv and movie.
“Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,” mentioned Lee, who offered 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 affect throughout generations.
“There is no us without you,” Rock mentioned.
Lawrence, who starred within the movie “Life” with Murphy, shared a private second from early in his profession, recalling how Murphy as soon as declined his request for a photograph. But now, that should not be an issue since their youngsters married one another in 2025.
“Now I can get all the pictures I want,” Lawrence mentioned with a smile. “Because we’re in-laws.”
Arsenio Hall, Murphy’s longtime collaborator on “Coming to America,” spoke about Murphy advocating for him within the movie and highlighted the depth of his expertise.
“When Eddie does a family film, he plays a whole damn family,” Hall mentioned.
Chappelle mirrored on learning Murphy’s stand-up as a youngster watching “Raw.” He described Murphy as one of many defining figures within the trade and shared a latest go to to his dwelling, the place seeing Murphy’s grandchildren enjoying provided a deeper perspective on his life.
“I would watch him every day after school like I was taking a class,” mentioned Chappelle, who additionally spoke on an interview the place he thought of revisiting “Chappelle’s Show,” a challenge he as soon as stepped away from, calling it one of the significant experiences of his profession.
Chappelle mentioned Murphy inspired him to revisit the concept, and even joked about becoming a member of the challenge if it involves fruition.
“You are still the hero I want to be,” he mentioned.
Stevie Wonder described Murphy’s impression as one thing that extends past comedy. He confirmed his deep admiration for the comedian-actor.
“Laughter can make life livable,” Wonder mentioned. “Eddie is more than a comedian … he is a universal reminder.”
Mike Myers, who co-starred within the “Shrek” movies with Murphy, credited him with serving to outline one in all 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 home band led by Rickey Minor.
The gala, which raised greater than $2.5 million to help AFI’s nonprofit education schemes, additionally included the presentation of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who spoke about discovering her voice by means of the institute.
Murphy’s profession has spanned practically 50 years, from stand-up phases to blockbuster movies, with a versatility that has saved him related throughout generations. In 2023, he acquired the Cecil B. DeMille Award on 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 mentioned. “I love you.”
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