The American Film Institute (AFI) Board of Trustees announced today that Eddie Murphy will be honored with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award — the nation’s highest recognition for a career in film. Murphy will receive the award at a star-studded tribute gala at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026.
“Eddie Murphy is an American icon,” said Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. “A trailblazing force in film, television and stand-up comedy, his versatility knows no bounds. For five decades, his work has shaped culture, influenced generations of artists, and captivated audiences around the world. AFI is proud to honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”
A nonprofit dedicated to advancing the moving image as an art form, AFI will direct all proceeds from the gala toward its education and arts programs. Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, serves as the official sponsor of the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award dinner.
AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Murphy joins an elite group of cinematic legends who have received the honor since 1973. Past recipients include:
John Ford (1973)
James Cagney (1974)
Orson Welles (1975)
Bette Davis (1977)
Alfred Hitchcock (1979)
Sidney Poitier (1992)
Steven Spielberg (1995)
Meryl Streep (2004)
Denzel Washington (2019)
Julie Andrews (2022)
Nicole Kidman (2024)
Francis Ford Coppola (2025)
A full list of honorees appears at AFI.com.
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