Overview
- Eddie Murphy, honored Saturday at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, accepted the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.
- Spike Lee presented the honor as peers including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson saluted Murphy’s five-decade impact.
- Mike Myers appeared in full Shrek makeup to praise Murphy’s Donkey as a “masterpiece,” while Stevie Wonder delivered an emotional tribute and Jennifer Hudson performed songs from Dreamgirls.
- Murphy mixed jokes and gratitude in his speech, quipping about the award’s timing and size and saying he “almost teared up” seeing his family and collaborators.
- The gala raised more than $2.5 million for AFI education programs, and the filmed tribute will stream globally on Netflix on May 31 in the special’s debut on the platform.