Hollywood legend Eddie Murphy, renowned for his iconic roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Dr. Dolittle,’ is set to receive the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award. The American Film Institute (AFI) will honor Murphy at a grand tribute ceremony scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, just two weeks after his 65th birthday. This accolade places Murphy among an elite group of previous recipients, including Denzel Washington, Francis Ford Coppola, and Morgan Freeman. Notably, Murphy will become the fourth Black artist to receive this prestigious award, following Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington. The AFI Life Achievement Award is bestowed annually to individuals who have significantly contributed to the cinematic arts, demonstrated enduring influence, and earned widespread recognition from critics, peers, and audiences. Kathleen Kennedy, chair of AFI’s board of trustees, praised Murphy as a ‘trailblazing force’ whose versatility and cultural impact have inspired generations. Murphy’s career began with his breakout role on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the early 1980s, leading to a successful transition into acting with blockbuster hits like ‘Coming to America’ and ‘The Nutty Professor.’ Recently, he starred in the Netflix documentary ‘Being Eddie’ and the Amazon Prime action-comedy ‘The Pickup,’ showcasing his continued relevance in the entertainment industry.