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Comedy Trailblazer Eddie Murphy Receives AFI Life Achievement Award
The gala raised more than $2.5 million for AFI education programs and featured tributes from Jennifer Hudson, Chris Rock and Spike Lee.
- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, actor Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute's 51st Life Achievement Award at a gala held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, honoring a career spanning more than five decades.
- Murphy, who turned 65 on April 3, rose from a teenage stand-up sensation on Long Island to become a breakout cast member on 'Saturday Night Live,' with early films like '48 Hrs.' and 'Trading Places' establishing his Hollywood stardom.
- Director Spike Lee presented the award, stating, 'Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,' while comedian Kenan Thompson praised Murphy's ability to 'come in young, take big swings, trust your voice and leave a mark that lasts decades.'
- The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award gala raised more than $2.5 million for the institute's nonprofit education programs, with the tribute set to stream on Netflix on May 31, 2026.
- Accepting the trophy, Murphy quipped, 'Have these always been this size?' before closing his acceptance by saying, 'Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Mike Myers was surprised by his iconic character at the AFI Life Achievement gala.The tribute celebrated Murphy's career and confirmed the expected return of the cast to Shrek 5.
Eddie Murphy receives life achievement award by AFI, drawing standing ovation at star-filled tribute
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.
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dave chappelle charlie murphy After saying in a recent interview that he would consider reviving Chappelle’s Show, Dave Chappelle doubled down on the sentiment during while speaking at Eddie Murphy’s 2026 AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony over the weekend. While speaking at the 2026 AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Eddie Murphy on Saturday, Dave Chappelle recounted a recent visit to Eddie Murphy’s home where the two talked about Charlie Mur…
The actor admitted to crying at a ceremony in L.A.
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