Eddie Murphy has been selected to receive the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award. The American Film Institute will honor him at a gala tribute at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on April 18.
Considered the highest honor for a career in film, the AFI Life Achievement Award is given to a single honoree each year, recognizing talent that has furthered the cinematic arts, demonstrated longevity and been acknowledged by scholars, critics, peers and audiences alike.
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Murphy certainly fits the criteria, with a massive body of work as an actor and comedian. The most commercially successful African American actor of all time, Murphy is among the top five box office performers in the industry’s history. Some of his most iconic hits on the big screen include “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “Trading Places,” “Daddy Daycare,” “48 Hrs” and “The Nutty Professor.” He has also made a significant impact as a voice actor, voicing Mushu in “Mulan” and Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise.
On stage, Murphy’s stand up specials including 1983’s “Delirious” and 1987’s “Raw” and his role as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” has also contributed to his immense cultural impact. Most recently, he was the subject of the 2025 Netflix documentary “Being Eddie” and the star of the Amazon Prime action comedy feature, “The Pickup.”
AFI Board of Trustees chairwoman Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement, “Eddie Murphy is an American icon. A trailblazing force in the art forms of film, television and stand-up comedy, his versatility knows no bounds. Across five decades, his enduring impact on our culture has inspired artists and audiences alike and AFI is proud to honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”
The AFI Life Achievement Award honoree is selected by the AFI Board of Trustees. Last year’s recipient was Francis Ford Coppola and previous winners from the past decade include Steve Martin, John Williams, Diane Keaton, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Julie Andrews and Nicole Kidman.
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