Eddie Murphy to receive AFI Life Achievement award in 2026

Eddie Murphy will receive the AFI Life Achievement Award, the American Film Institute’s highest honour for contributions to film, the organisation’s board of trustees announced Friday.

The celebration will take place April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre — just two weeks after Murphy turns 65. He becomes only the fourth Black artist to receive the award, joining Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington.

AFI board chair Kathleen Kennedy praised Murphy’s influence, calling him “an American icon” and “a trailblazing force in the art forms of film, television and stand-up comedy.”

She added, “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 rose to national prominence on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s, quickly breaking into films during his hiatuses from the show. His performances in 48 Hours, Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop cemented him as one of the decade’s most reliable box-office draws.

He continued to headline hits including Beverly Hills Cop 2, Coming to America and The Nutty Professor, later expanding into family films such as Dr Dolittle, Mulan, Shrek and Daddy Day Care.

In recent years, Murphy has taken on fewer roles but earned acclaim for Dreamgirls, Mr Church and Dolemite Is My Name. Proceeds from the AFI tribute will support the nonprofit’s education and arts programs.