Eddie Murphy to receive major award from AFI

Eddie Murphy, one of Hollywood's most acclaimed comedians and actors, is set to be awarded the highest honour of the American Film Institute’s "Life Achievement Award".

The AFI’s board of trustees confirmed the news in their announcement on Friday. The date of the award function has been decided to be just 2 days after Eddie’s 65th birthday, on April 18, 2026, giving him another reason to celebrate. 

This honour has only been provided to a few before, making Murphy the fourth Black artist to get the award, besides Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington.

The institute's board chair, Kathleen, acknowledged the actor's influence, labelling him as “an American icon” and “a trailblazing force in the art forms of film, television and stand-up comedy.”

She continued, “Across five decades, his enduring impact on our culture has inspired artists and audiences alike, and AFI is proud to honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”

Murphy is known as a legend in Hollywood for his contributions as an actor, comedian, writer, producer, and singer. Saturday Night Live was the first push to his career in the 1980s.

Since then, Eddie has starred in multiple iconic films, making his name, including Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, 48 Hours, and later increasing his diversity with family hit films like Dr Dolittle, Mulan, Shrek and Daddy Day Care.