Eddie Murphy has been crowned with American Film Institute’s (AFI) Life Achievement Award after serving for more than five decades in Hollywood.
The 51st award ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Saturday night where his fellow comedian actors gushed over the SNL alum’s remarkable career, leaving Eddie teary-eyed.
The Dreamgirls star said during his acceptance speech, “Looking out 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. 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.”
While accepting the trophy from Spike Lee, Eddie joked about the size of the accolade, saying, “Have these always been this size? It seems like this one is smaller.”
As Eddie turned 65 earlier this month, he expressed his gratitude that he is young enough to enjoy his win.
“Sometimes they make you wait until you’re real old to get this award,” said joikingly, referring to Mel Brooks and Lillian Gish, who received the accolade in their 80s and 90s, respectively.
Moreover, Eddie’s fellow comedian actors, including Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle and Kenan Thompson, gave speeches calling him a trendsetter for generations of Black performers.
Kenan took the stage and said, “He wasn’t just an influence. He was proof that you could come in young, take big swings, trust your voice, and leave a mark that lasts decades.”
For those unversed, Murphy rose to fame during his time on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984.
Later, he starred in multiple films, including Dreamgirls, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor and Norbit.
The star also lent his voice for animated characters like Mushu in Mulan and Donkey in Shrek.
The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony will air on Netflix on May 31.
