After more than five decades of service to Hollywood, Eddie Murphy has been honored with the American Film Institute (AFI)’s Life Achievement Award.
The 51st awards ceremony took place Saturday night at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where his fellow comedians praised the SNL alum’s remarkable career, leaving Eddie in tears.
dream Girls The star said during his acceptance speech, “Seeing my whole family, all my kids, my beautiful wife and all the different people I’ve worked with, I’m really filled up. It’s a special moment. … I wish you all could feel what I’m feeling, see what I’m seeing. … I almost cried. I’m going to go backstage and cry.”
While accepting the trophy from Spike Lee, Eddie joked about the size of the accolade, saying, “Have they always been this size? It feels like it’s small.”
As Eddie turned 65 earlier this month, he expressed gratitude that he is young enough to enjoy his victories.
“Sometimes they make you wait until you’re really old to get this award,” he joked, referring to Mel Brooks and Lillian Gish, who received the accolade in the ’80s and ’90s, respectively.
Additionally, Eddie’s fellow comedians, including Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and Kenan Thompson, gave speeches calling him a trendsetter for generations of black performers.
Kenan took the stage and said, “He wasn’t just an influence. He was proof that you can come in young, take big swings, trust your voice and leave an impression that lasts for decades.”
For those who don’t know, Murphy rose to fame during his time Saturday night Live From 1980 to 1984.
Later, he acted in several films including dream Girls, Coming to America, beverly hills police, Teathat crazy professor And Norbit.
The star also lent his voice to animated characters like Mushu mulan and ass inside Shrek.
The AFI Life Achievement Awards ceremony will air on Netflix on May 31.
