Eddie Murphy Honored by Dave Chappelle, Mike Myers and More
The legendary comedy star’s career was celebrated with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.
Eddie Murphy, posed with AFI Lifetime Achievement award, and Dave Chappelle attend the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Eddie Murphy at Dolby Theatre on April 18, 2026 in Hollywood, California.
Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AFI.
Eddie Murphy was honored with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. The comedy icon was recognized during the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony in Los Angeles. On-hand to celebrate Murphy were a number of comedy superstars, including Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, and Murphy’s fellow Saturday Night Live alums, Mike Myers and Tracy Morgan.
"It is my absolute honor to say and to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy," Mike Myers said at the event. Myers and Murphy co-starred in the popular Shrek film franchise, and Myers wore green Shrek makeup as he paid tribute to Murphy onstage.
Chappelle gave a heartfelt speech about what Murphy’s success means to him.
"You were the hero that I worried about," Chappelle said, acknowledging that the Beverly Hills Cop star stood alone at the top for many years. "Man, when you came up, it looked lonely.”
Chappelle also recognized Murphy’s late brother, Charlie Murphy, who co-starred on Chappelle’s Show in the early 2000s. Charlie died in 2017 after a battle with leukemia. "I hadn't seen him or really had an occasion to speak to Eddie about it," said Chappelle in regard to Charlie’s death. "And in the midst of the conversation, he said I should do a Chappelle's Show movie. And I said that would be tough. That's your brother. So Eddie, if I do it, you do the Charlie parts. And let's go."
Jennifer Hudson sang a Dreamgirls musical medley, in recognition of the 2006 film that she starred in alongside Murphy – who won a Golden Globe and SAG Award for his dramatic turn as tragic soul singer James “Thunder” Early.
"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 told the Los Angeles crowd. "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.”
The gala raised over $2.5 million for AFI’s non-profit education programs. The ceremony will stream on Netflix beginning May 31.
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