Eddie Murphy to be honoured with AFI Life Achievement Award

Eddie Murphy has been announced as the next recipient of the Life Achievement Award presented by the American Film Institute (AFI).

The actor and comedian will receive AFI’s 51st honourary prize, described as the “highest honour for a career in film” by Variety, on April 18, 2026.

It should be further noted that “the AFI Life Achievement Award is given to a single honoree each year, recognizing talent that has furthered the cinematic arts, demonstrated longevity and been acknowledged by scholars, critics, peers and audiences alike.”

While as the award’s newly announced honouree, Murphy is one of the industry’s best to fit the bill — starting out his career with standup comedy in the late ‘70s, the 64-year-old stalwart soon branched out into multiple successful Hollywood productions like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and many others.

The “most commercially successful African American actor of all time” is also widely known for his delightful voiceover work in various animated classics like Disney’s Mulan and Dreamworks’ Shrek franchise. Playing Mushu the dragon in the former and Donkey in the latter, Murphy provided the best sidekick shenanigans in both Mulan and the various installments of Shrek.

In a statement provided by AFI Board of Trustees chairwoman Kathleen Kennedy, the comic turned actor was described as “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,” Kennedy’s statement concluded.

While Eddie Murphy will receive the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2026, the honour is currently held by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.