Veteran actor and comedian Eddie Murphy has been honoured with the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered for an emotional, star-studded ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
The 65-year-old was met with a prolonged standing ovation as he took in the moment, surrounded by family, collaborators and industry peers who have defined his decades-long career.
“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. “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.”
Before reaching the stage, Murphy was applauded throughout the ballroom, passing prominent figures including Spike Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold, all present to celebrate his legacy.
The tribute featured appearances from entertainers such as Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Kenan Thompson. The ceremony is set to air as a Netflix special on May 31.
Murphy’s nearly five-decade career was celebrated with highlights from iconic projects including Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and Shrek, underscoring his impact on modern comedy and global cinema.
Presenting the award, Lee praised Murphy’s cultural significance, stating, “Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,” adding that both men, in different creative ways, helped push culture forward while remaining authentic.
Rock also underscored Murphy’s influence with a succinct tribute: “There is no us without you.”
Lawrence shared a light-hearted personal story from early in his career, recalling Murphy once declining a photo request. He noted their relationship has since evolved, joking, “Now I can get all the pictures I want… Because we’re in-laws.”
Hall reflected on Murphy’s versatility, particularly their collaboration on Coming to America, saying, “When Eddie does a family film, he plays a whole damn family.”
Chappelle described Murphy as a defining figure in comedy, revealing how he studied his early performances. Reflecting on a recent visit, he added, “You are still the hero I want to be.”
Music legend Stevie Wonder highlighted Murphy’s broader cultural impact, saying, “Laughter can make life livable… Eddie is more than a comedian, he is a universal reminder.”
Director Mike Myers credited Murphy’s role as Donkey in Shrek as a defining performance in animation.
The evening also featured a musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson, who performed selections from Dreamgirls with a live band led by Rickey Minor.
Organisers said the gala raised more than $2.5 million for the American Film Institute’s nonprofit education programmes, while cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw was also honoured with the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal.
