Netflix and AFI announced that the televised special, THE 51st AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE MURPHY, will premiere on Netflix on May 31, 2026. This marks the first year the Emmy®-winning special will stream on the service, bringing the celebration of Murphy’s iconic career to a global audience.
The award will be presented to Murphy at a Gala Tribute at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026. Eddie Murphy is recognized as one of the most commercially successful actors in the history of the motion picture business and remains one of the industry’s top five box-office performers overall.
“AFI is grateful to Ted Sarandos and the talented team at Netflix for the opportunity to share this proud tradition with the world,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “And to do so in honor of Eddie Murphy will allow us to shine a proper light on the impact of art at a time the world needs it most.”
Proceeds from the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute Gala support AFI’s education and arts initiatives. The official sponsor of the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award Gala dinner is Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform. The official water sponsor is FIJI Water.
The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award Honoree joins an esteemed group of individuals who have been chosen for this distinguished honor since its inception. See all past honorees here.
Toni Fitzpatrick
How can you see past ones like the Micole Kidman’s?