Eddie Murphy is currently the greatest living comedian. The legendary actor and stand-up shall deservingly receive the AFI Life Achievement Award—America’s highest honor for a career in film via the American Film Institute’s board of trustees.
Unveiled today on this stupendous Friday, November 21, 2025, the gala tribute will be held in our neck of the woods at the Dolby Theatre on April 18, 2026. Here’s another delightful deet: it happens to be just two weeks after Eddie’s 65th birthday.
It’s also vital to note he shall be the fourth Black recipient of the honor, following Sidney Poitier (1992), Morgan Freeman (2011), and Denzel Washington (2019).
Kathleen Kennedy, chair of AFI’s board of trustees, shared the following in a statement:
“Eddie Murphy is an American icon. 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 honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”
And come April, the Dolby Theatre will roar—celebrating a legend whose laughter lit up generations.
To see the full release, visit: EDDIE MURPHY TO RECEIVE 51st AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD | American Film Institute
