Trending Now - Eddie Murphy Celebrated With AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute

WHO:

Yahoo News UK - Eddie Murphy confirmed he has welcomed his first grandson and third granddaughter, stating, "I feel like it's raining blessings on me this month."

Yahoo News UK - Eric Murphy and Jasmin Lawrence welcomed their baby girl, Ari Skye, approximately two weeks prior to the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony on April 16th, 2026.

Yahoo News UK - Eddie Murphy confirmed that he has welcomed his first grandson and third granddaughter, stating, "I feel like it's raining blessings on me this month."

Yahoo News UK - Eddie Murphy confirmed that his son, Eric Murphy, and Martin Lawrence's daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, welcomed a baby girl named Ari Skye.

Variety - Eddie Murphy, Spike Lee, Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, Arsenio Hall, Judge Reinhold, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Eva Longoria, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kenan Thompson, Mike Myers, Jennifer Hudson, Rickey Minor, Autumn Durald Arkapaw.

WHAT:

AP News - The tribute raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI’s nonprofit education programs.

NBC News - Murphy expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever. I love you.”

AP News - The tribute raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI’s nonprofit education programs, consistent with previous reports.

Yahoo News UK - Eddie Murphy stated, "They just had a baby girl," referring to the birth occurring approximately one to two weeks prior to the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony on April 16th, 2026.

Deadline - The ceremony took place in the same month that Eddie Murphy turned 65 years old.

TMZ - Mike Myers attended the ceremony dressed as Shrek, adding a humorous element to the event.

NBC News - Murphy stated, “Seeing all of my family, all my kids, my beautiful wife, and seeing all the different people I worked with, I’m just really filled up.”

AP News - Murphy expressed, “This is a special moment. I wish y’all could feel what I’m feeling, see what I’m seeing. I almost teared up. I’m going to get backstage and cry.”

NBC News - Eddie Murphy received the AFI Life Achievement Award at a ceremony.

AP News - The tribute raised more than $2.5 million to support AFI’s nonprofit education programs.

AP News - Murphy expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever. I love you.”

AP News - The tribute will premiere as a special on Netflix on May 31st, 2026.

WHERE:

Variety - The ceremony took place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California.

WHEN:

NBC News - The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony took place on April 16th, 2026.

NBC News - The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony took place on April 16th, 2026, and Murphy's son, Eric Murphy, and Martin Lawrence's daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, welcomed their baby girl, Ari Skye, approximately two weeks prior to the ceremony, around April 2nd, 2026.

Yahoo News UK - The baby girl, Ari Skye, was born around April 2nd or April 9th, 2026.

Variety - The ceremony occurred on Saturday night, April 16th, 2026.

AP News - The tribute will premiere on Netflix on May 31st, 2026.

WHY:

AP News - Stevie Wonder described Murphy as "more than a comedian" and a "universal reminder" of the power of laughter, emphasizing his impact beyond comedy.

AP News - Stevie Wonder described Murphy as "more than a comedian" and a "universal reminder" of the power of laughter.

AP News - Martin Lawrence shared a personal moment, revealing that his children married Murphy's children in 2025, stating, “Now I can get all the pictures I want. Because we’re in-laws.”

AP News - Spike Lee commended Murphy for being true to himself and for pushing culture forward.

AP News - Comedians highlighted Murphy’s influence across generations, with Chris Rock stating, “There is no us without you.”

HOW:

AP News - The gala included a musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson, backed by a house band led by Rickey Minor, and featured large images from Murphy's career on stage.

Billboard - Jennifer Hudson performed a musical tribute from the film "Dreamgirls," which was released in 2006.

AP News - The gala included the presentation of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who spoke about finding her voice through the institute.

AP News - Murphy was met with a standing ovation as he stepped onstage to accept the award.

AP News - The gala included a musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson, backed by a house band led by Rickey Minor.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 15:19 UTC)

Eddie Murphy has confirmed the arrival of his first grandson and third granddaughter, sharing his joy by saying, "I feel like it's raining blessings on me this month." This announcement comes just after his son Eric Murphy and Jasmin Lawrence welcomed their baby girl, Ari Skye, about two weeks before the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony on Thursday, which raised over $2.5 million for nonprofit education programs. During the event, Stevie Wonder praised Murphy as "more than a comedian," while a musical tribute featuring Jennifer Hudson celebrated his remarkable career, leaving Murphy grateful for a night he described as unforgettable.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 11:18 UTC)

Eddie Murphy has confirmed the joyful news that he has welcomed his first grandson and third granddaughter, expressing that he feels like it's "raining blessings" this month. The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony, held on Thursday, raised over $2.5 million for nonprofit education programs and included a musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson, with images from Murphy's illustrious career displayed on stage. Stevie Wonder praised Murphy as "more than a comedian," highlighting his significant impact on laughter and culture.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 09:31 UTC)

Eddie Murphy has confirmed that his son, Eric Murphy, and Martin Lawrence's daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, have welcomed a baby girl named Ari Skye. Murphy shared that the birth took place about one to two weeks before the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony on Thursday. Ari Skye was born around April 2nd or April 9th.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 23:04 UTC)

The ceremony honoring Eddie Murphy took place this month, coinciding with his 65th birthday, and featured a memorable appearance by Mike Myers, who showed up dressed as Shrek. Stevie Wonder praised Murphy as "more than a comedian," highlighting his role as a "universal reminder" of the power of laughter. Adding to the celebration, Jennifer Hudson delivered a musical tribute from the 2006 film "Dreamgirls."

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 21:06 UTC)

At a recent gala, actor Eddie Murphy shared an emotional moment, expressing how filled he felt seeing his family and friends, stating, “I almost teared up. I’m going to get backstage and cry.” Martin Lawrence added a personal touch by revealing that his children married Murphy's children in 2025, saying, “Now I can get all the pictures I want. Because we’re in-laws.” The event also featured the presentation of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal to cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who spoke about discovering her voice through the institute.

(UPDATED April 19, 2026 17:06 UTC)

Eddie Murphy received the AFI Life Achievement Award at a star-studded ceremony held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night, on Thursday, where he was met with a standing ovation. The event raised over $2.5 million to support AFI’s nonprofit education programs, and Murphy expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you for giving me this night that I will remember forever and ever and ever. I love you.” The tribute, which featured a musical performance by Jennifer Hudson, will premiere as a special on Netflix May 31st.