Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award on April 18 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The 65-year-old comedy legend looked out at the star-filled room and got emotional. He saw his family, his children, his wife, and many people he worked with over five decades.
“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 during his acceptance speech. “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.”
The audience gave him a standing ovation before he even reached the stage. He walked through the ballroom passing Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold as the applause followed him.
Mike Myers Dresses as Shrek to Honor His Donkey Co-Star
Mike Myers did not just give a regular speech. He showed up in full Shrek costume with green makeup and ogre ears. The outfit was a loving nod to Murphy’s voice role as Donkey in the Shrek movies.
Myers made it clear how important Murphy was to the franchise’s success.
“None of Shrek’s success could have happened without Eddie Murphy,” Myers said. “Eddie’s character, Donkey, is a masterpiece, as is every character Eddie has created over the years.”
He called Murphy “Lovable, hilarious, joyous, vulnerable and loyal.” Myers then added, “Eddie combines all of those in a tour de force, and plainly put, Eddie is one of the greatest.”
Myers ended with a personal note that showed how much the moment meant to him. “It is my absolute honor to say and to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy.”
Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria and Other Stars Share Their Respect
Kevin Hart started the festivities by talking about the meaning behind Murphy’s full name, Edward Regan Murphy. Eva Longoria spoke about Murphy’s charity work and how he has helped many people over the years.
Stevie Wonder also took the stage as one of the speakers.
“Eddie is more than a comedian, actor, and entertainer,” Wonder said. “Eddie finds our common funny-bone. He and I found each other because he would imitate me on SNL. Yes, he made fun of a blind man, and it started a lifelong friendship.”
Spike Lee presented the award to Murphy. He spoke about how both of them pushed culture forward in their own ways.
“Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,” Lee said. “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.”
Jennifer Hudson performed songs from Dreamgirls, the 2006 movie where she starred with Murphy.
Kenan Thompson explained what Murphy meant to younger comedians. “He wasn’t just an influence,” Thompson said. “He was proof that you could come in young, take big swings, trust your voice and leave a mark that lasts decades.”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who worked with Murphy on Dolemite Is My Name, shared what she learned from him. “The greatest gift he ever gave me was the opportunity to learn by watching him. These are lessons no drama school can teach.”
Murphy Jokes About the Award Size and His Age
Even during such a serious moment, Murphy kept his humor. When he got the trophy, he looked at it and made a joke.
“Have these always been this size? It seems like this one is smaller,” he said, making the whole room laugh.
Murphy turned 65 on April 3. He said he felt grateful to receive this honor while he was still young enough to really enjoy it.
“Sometimes they make you wait until you’re real old to get this award,” Murphy joked. He pointed out that Mel Brooks and Francis Ford Coppola received theirs in their 80s, and Lillian Gish was 90.
He joked that if he had to wait that long, he would not behave well on stage. Then he got serious and thanked everyone for being there.
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A Career That Changed Comedy Forever
Murphy started as a teenage stand-up comedian. He joined Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984 and became a breakout star with characters like Buckwheat and Gumby.
From there, he moved to movies and created some of the biggest comedy hits of all time. His film credits include Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and Norbit. He also earned critical praise for Dreamgirls, winning a Golden Globe and SAG Award.
His voice work brought Donkey in Shrek and Mushu in Mulan to life, introducing his comedy to younger audiences. Large images from these movies filled the stage during the ceremony.
The AFI Life Achievement Award is one of the highest honors in the entertainment industry. Past recipients include John Ford, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.
The full tribute special will stream on Netflix on May 31.
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