Eddie Murphy to Receive AFI Life Achievement Award at Los Angeles Gala

Eddie Murphy, the iconic actor and comedian whose career spans nearly five decades, will be honored with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. The AFI board of trustees announced that the award will be presented at a star-studded gala at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18.

“Eddie Murphy is a true American icon,” said Kathleen Kennedy, chair of AFI’s board. “His contributions to film, television, and stand-up comedy have left an indelible mark, and his talent knows no limits.”

Murphy, 64, rose to fame as a teenage stand-up sensation and became a household name with his work on Saturday Night Live. He later dominated the box office with films such as Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, and the Shrek franchise. In 2007, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Dreamgirls, adding to a list of accolades including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

In the Netflix documentary Being Eddie, Murphy shared insights about his perspective on fame and awards, noting, “Winning is great, but if I don’t win, I don’t lose sleep over it. I’m still Eddie in the morning.”

Murphy was also awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2023 Golden Globes, where he delivered a concise, heartfelt acceptance speech. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “When you’re young, you take everything for granted. Now I cherish every opportunity and moment.”

AFI’s Life Achievement Award ceremonies are renowned for their star-studded gatherings. Last year, Francis Ford Coppola’s gala drew luminaries including Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, and Harrison Ford. Murphy will be the 51st recipient of the prestigious award, which was first presented in 1973 to John Ford. Recent honorees include Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, and Julie Andrews.