Eddie Murphy AFI Life Achievement Award: Martin Lawrence’s Tribute

This Netflix special captures the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award gala honoring Eddie Murphy’s film career. Filmed live in Los Angeles, it brings together fellow comedians, actors, and musicians for t

The Netflix special AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy features a gala tribute honoring Eddie Murphy, recipient of the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award. Netflix describes it as an all-star tribute program filmed live in Los Angeles, with Murphy, Kevin Hart, and Dave Chappelle among the featured performers.

The event took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 18, 2026. According to AFI’s official announcement, it began with a welcome from AFI Chairman Bob Gazzale, followed by tributes to Murphy from Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, and Kenan Thompson. Jennifer Hudson performed with the house band led by Ricky Minor.

Spike Lee presented Murphy with the award, and Murphy took the stage to a standing ovation, thanking his family and the colleagues who had been with him throughout his career. AFI explains that it presents the award annually to one recipient whose work has fundamentally advanced the art of film and continued to be valued over time. Proceeds from the gala supported AFI’s nonprofit educational programs.