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Eddie Murphy receives AFI honor amid starry tribute

PUBLISHED Apr 20, 2026, 12:35 AM ET

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Los Angeles. Eddie Murphy received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theatre Saturday night, where peers and family gathered to honor his career; he accepted the award and delivered remarks, and Mike Myers paid tribute onstage while wearing full Shrek makeup, reflecting their long-running collaboration over four Shrek films spanning roughly 25 years. Los Angeles. The ceremony prompted standing ovations and gathered entertainers including Kevin Hart, Spike Lee, Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, and Kenan Thompson; Murphy said he was 'filled up' and nearly cried. The tribute will be released as a Netflix special on May 31, and the AFI recognition will likely increase attention to Murphy's body of work in the coming weeks.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Murphy and Myers collaborated on four Shrek films over roughly 25 years.
The American Film Institute selected Eddie Murphy as the 2024 Life Achievement Award honoree.
On Saturday night, Murphy accepted the award at the Dolby Theatre before peers and family.
Mike Myers delivered an onstage tribute wearing full Shrek makeup during the ceremony.
Netflix scheduled the filmed tribute to premiere as a special on May 31.

News Intelligence

Eddie Murphy's AFI honor is a celebration of a career that's spanned decades, likely touching your life through his films. This recognition could spark renewed interest in his body of work, offering a chance to revisit old favorites or discover new ones. Check out Netflix on May 31 for the tribute special.

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