Red Carpet Rundown: Eddie Murphy Honored At Afli Life Achievement Award Gala

The American Film Institute (AFI) presented the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award to Eddie Murphy on Saturday, April 18, at a Gala Tribute in Hollywood. The tribute special, THE 51st AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE MURPHY, will premiere on Netflix on May 31, 2026.

Byron Allen, Martin Brest, Jerry Bruckheimer, Colman Domingo, David Alan Grier, Walter Hill, Jaafar Jackson, Keegan-Michael Key, Sugar Ray Leonard, Nia Long, and Joe Piscopo, and more filled the Dolby Theatre to celebrate Murphy’s award-winning career and his significant impact on the moving arts. The event began with welcome remarks from Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO and featured tributes honoring Murphy, including speeches from Belle Aykroyd on behalf of her father Dan Aykroyd, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Eva Longoria, Tracy Morgan, Mike Myers, Judge Reinhold, Chris Rock, Kenan Thompson, Robert Townsend, Stevie Wonder, and a rousing performance from Jennifer Hudson with a house band led by Rickey Minor.

In presenting the award, Spike Lee celebrated Murphy’s remarkable talent and said, “Eddie and I have Brooklyn in our blood. However, Eddie and I took different paths. Eddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better. I took a camera and told stories about how our nation could be better. We both push culture forward. We’re still not even done.”

Murphy accepted the award to a standing ovation. In his acceptance speech, he said, “Looking out and seeing all my family, all my kids and my beautiful wife. Seeing all the different people that I worked with. This is a special moment. I’d like to thank everybody for this night that I will remember forever and ever.” The event concluded with attendees receiving an exclusive commemorative tribute book about Murphy’s career. See all the fun photos inside…