LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥� took a moment to look out at the star-studded room at the American Film Institute ceremony 鈥� at his family, his peers, the people who have shared his journey 鈥� and let it all sink in.
鈥淪eeing all of my family, all my kids, my beautiful wife, and seeing all the different people I worked with, I鈥檓 just really filled up,鈥� said Murphy, who received the at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday night. 鈥淭his is a special moment. I wish y鈥檃ll could feel what I鈥檓 feeling, see what I鈥檓 seeing. I almost teared up. I鈥檓 going to get backstage and cry.鈥�
Just before accepting the award, Murphy was met with a standing ovation, stepping onstage and moving through the ballroom as the applause followed. Along the way, he passed , , , , Arsenio Hall and Judge Reinhold.
The tribute, which also featured appearances from Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Kenan Thompson, will premiere as a special on Netflix on May 31.
Murphy, 64, has moved from a teenage stand-up sensation to a breakout force on 鈥淪aturday Night Live鈥� to a box office mainstay with films like 鈥淏everly Hills Cop,鈥� 鈥淐oming to America,鈥� 鈥淭he Nutty Professor鈥� and the 鈥淪hrek鈥� franchise.
Large images from those defining moments filled the venue, tracing a career that has crossed stand-up, television and film.
鈥淓ddie made us laugh and made our nation feel better,鈥� said Lee, who presented the award to Murphy. 鈥淚 took a camera and told stories on how our nation could be better. 鈥� We both pushed culture forward. … Every step of this journey, Eddie has been true to himself.鈥�
Comedians pointed to Murphy鈥檚 influence across generations.
鈥淭here is no us without you,鈥� Rock said.
Lawrence, who starred in the film 鈥淟ife鈥� with Murphy, shared a personal moment from early in his career, recalling how Murphy once declined his request for a photo. But now, that shouldn’t be a problem since their children married each other in 2025.
鈥淣ow I can get all the pictures I want,鈥� Lawrence said with a smile. 鈥淏ecause we’re in-laws.鈥�
Arsenio Hall, Murphy鈥檚 longtime collaborator on 鈥淐oming to America,鈥� spoke about Murphy advocating for him in the film and highlighted the depth of his talent.
鈥淲hen Eddie does a family film, he plays a whole damn family,鈥� Hall said.
Chappelle reflected on studying Murphy鈥檚 stand-up as a teenager watching 鈥淩aw.鈥� He described Murphy as one of the defining figures in the industry and shared a recent visit to his home, where seeing Murphy鈥檚 grandchildren playing offered a deeper perspective on his life.
鈥淚 would watch him every day after school like I was taking a class,鈥� said Chappelle, who also spoke on an interview where he considered a project he once stepped away from, calling it one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.
Chappelle said Murphy encouraged him to revisit the idea, and even joked about joining the project if it comes to fruition.
鈥淵ou are still the hero I want to be,鈥� he said.
Stevie Wonder described Murphy鈥檚 impact as something that extends beyond comedy. He showed his deep admiration for the comedian-actor.
鈥淟aughter can make life livable,鈥� Wonder said. 鈥淓ddie is more than a comedian 鈥� he is a universal reminder.鈥�
Mike Myers, who co-starred in the 鈥淪hrek鈥� films with Murphy, credited him with helping define one of animation鈥檚 most beloved characters, calling his character portrayal of Donkey a 鈥渕asterpiece.鈥�
Jennifer Hudson delivered a musical tribute with performances from 鈥淒reamgirls,鈥� backed by a house band led by Rickey Minor.
The gala, which raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI鈥檚 nonprofit education programs, also included the presentation of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer who spoke about finding her voice through the institute.
Murphy鈥檚 career has spanned nearly 50 years, from stand-up stages to blockbuster films, with a versatility that has kept him relevant across generations. In 2023, he received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes and has spoken about embracing a deeper appreciation for his journey.
鈥淭hank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever,鈥� Murphy said. 鈥淚 love you.鈥�
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