Eddie Murphy receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Noted actor-comedian Eddie Murphy was presented with the AFI Life Achievement Award at a ceremony hosted by the American Film Institute, celebrating a career that has shaped comedy and cinema for more than five decades.

Taking the stage on Saturday (April 18) night, Murphy brought his signature wit to the moment, joking about the trophy’s size. “Have these always been this big? This one looks a bit smaller,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

Eddie Murphy, who turned 65 on April 3, said he was grateful to receive the honour while still young enough to enjoy it, according to Reuters.

“Sometimes they make you wait until you’re really old to get this award,” he joked, noting that Mel Brooks and Francis Ford Coppola were honoured in their 80s, while Lillian Gish received it at 90.

Murphy added humorously that if he had been made to wait that long, he would have reacted with outrage on stage.

Becoming more reflective, he said he wished the audience could fully share what he felt while standing on stage, adding that he was nearly moved to tears. “I’ll go backstage and cry,” he said.

The ceremony also featured tributes from across the entertainment industry, highlighted by an energetic performance of songs from the movie musical “Dreamgirls” by Jennifer Hudson, who co-starred with Murphy in the film.

Speeches from fellow comedians, including Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and Kenan Thompson, highlighted Murphy’s lasting influence on comedy and his pioneering role for generations of Black performers.

“He wasn’t just an influence,” Thompson said during the ceremony.

“He showed that you could start young, take big risks, trust your voice, and build a legacy that lasts for decades,” added the “Good Burger” star.

Echoing the sentiment, Da'Vine Joy Randolph said she gained invaluable experience from Murphy while working with him on the 2019 film “Dolemite Is My Name”.

“The greatest gift he gave me was the chance to learn by observing him,” said the Golden Globe-winning actress. “Those are lessons no acting school can provide.”

Murphy first rose to prominence through Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984, where characters like Buckwheat and Gumby helped launch him to stardom.

He later starred in major films including “Beverly Hills Cop”, “Coming to America”, “The Nutty Professor”, and “Norbit”, and earned critical acclaim for “Dreamgirls”. His voice performances as Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise and Mushu in “Mulan” also received widespread praise.

The AFI ceremony is scheduled to stream on Netflix on May 31, marking its debut on the platform.

Read more

A stalwart’s sixty: Tauquir Ahmed celebrated by cultural personalities

Established in 1967, the American Film Institute is dedicated to preserving film history, honouring artists, and supporting emerging filmmakers. Previous recipients of the AFI Life Achievement Award include John Ford, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep.