Eddie Murphy

Source: Courtesy American Film Institute

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy will receive the 51st AFI Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala tribute on April 18, 2026.

Murphy reprises his role as Donkey in Shrek 5, which opens through Universal in June 2027. His credits include Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming To America, Dolomite is My Name, and Dreamgirls, for which he garnered a supporting actor Oscar nomination.

Prior recipients include Francis Ford Coppola and Nicole Kidman in the last two years, as well as Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, David Lean, and Diane Keaton, who died last month.

“Eddie Murphy is an American icon,” said Kathleen Kennedy, chair of the AFI board of trustees. “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 honour him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”

 

Topics