Mike Myers made one of the most memorable entrances of the night at Saturday’s AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony, arriving in full Shrek costume — complete with green makeup and ogre ears — to honor his longtime co-star Eddie Murphy.
The tribute brought the house down as Myers used his time onstage to celebrate Murphy’s iconic role as Donkey in the beloved animated franchise that has connected the two actors for more than two decades.
“None of Shrek’s success could have happened without Eddie Murphy,” Myers said during the ceremony, according to footage shared on Reddit.
Myers didn’t stop at the costume. His remarks painted a picture of deep admiration for Murphy’s talent and range as a performer.
“Eddie’s character, Donkey, is a masterpiece, as is every character Eddie has created over the years,” Myers said.
He went on to describe the qualities Murphy brings to every role he takes on.
“Lovable, hilarious, joyous, vulnerable, and loyal. Eddie combines all of those in a tour de force, and plainly put, Eddie is one of the greatest,” Myers said.
The tribute also turned personal as Myers reflected on their professional relationship.
“It is my absolute honor to say and to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy,” he said.
Murphy received the American Film Institute’s highest honor at the April 18 ceremony, drawing a star-studded crowd of Hollywood figures who gathered to celebrate his career.
Among those paying tribute were Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall, Judge Reinhold and Kenan Thompson.
Jennifer Hudson delivered a Dreamgirls medley during the event, nodding to the 2006 film in which Murphy starred. His performance in that film earned him both a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
The evening served as a sweeping look back at Murphy’s nearly 50-year career in entertainment.
Murphy found early success in stand-up comedy, performing at major venues including Madison Square Garden. He went on to become a cast member on Saturday Night Live for four seasons, launching himself into the national spotlight.
From there, Murphy built one of the most versatile filmographies in Hollywood. His major roles include Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and the Shrek franchise — the very series that brought him and Myers together.
Myers’ decision to show up in character carried an extra layer of excitement for fans. The Shrek tribute comes as Shrek 5 is on its way, with a scheduled theatrical release of June 30, 2027.
The returning cast for the fifth installment includes Myers, Murphy and Cameron Diaz, reuniting the trio that helped make the franchise a cultural phenomenon.
Myers’ green-faced entrance served as both a loving salute to his friend and a reminder that these two aren’t done working together just yet.
The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony gave Hollywood a chance to reflect on what makes Murphy one of the most enduring entertainers of his generation. From stand-up stages to animated sound booths, from sketch comedy to dramatic film roles, the tributes painted a portrait of an artist whose impact stretches across genres and generations.
And few tributes captured that spirit quite like Myers — dressed head to toe as an ogre — standing before a room full of stars to tell the world just how much his co-star means to him.
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