AFI Life Achievement Award: Tribute to Eddie Murphy lands on Netflix on May 31, 2026. The special program replays the American Film Institute’s tribute to Eddie Murphy, the 51st recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award, an honor recognizing a lifetime of work in cinema.
AFI Life Achievement Award: Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Special | 2026
Available on Netflix on May 31, 2026
Entertainment, variety, comedy
Starring Eddie Murphy
Original title: The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Country: United States
The ceremony took place on April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, ahead of its Netflix premiere. The American Film Institute frames this award as one of the highest American honors for a career in cinema, granted to artists whose body of work has left a lasting imprint on film history.
The special brings together collaborators, friends and fans around Eddie Murphy, whose career spans stand-up, television and cinema. From Beverly Hills Cop to Coming to America, including Dreamgirls, The Nutty Professor and the voice of Donkey in Shrek, the actor has built a filmography linked to American mainstream comedy, family-friendly films and roles that have earned industry praise.
According to the Associated Press, the night featured appearances by Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Kenan Thompson. Netflix’s lineup then offers a televised version of this tribute evening, mixing clips, remarks, and a celebration of a career that has inspired generations of actors and comedians.
Trailer for the AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy:
To go further, also explore our selection of Netflix’s May 2026 new releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s pick of what to watch in streaming.
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