Images: Chris Pizzello
Hollywood royalty gathered in Los Angeles on Saturday to celebrate Eddie Murphy as he received the American Film Institute’s highest honor.

The actor was met with a thunderous standing ovation as he walked through a ballroom filled with icons like Spike Lee, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle.

During his emotional acceptance speech, Murphy admitted he was “filled up” and nearly moved to tears seeing his family and decades of colleagues in one room.
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Presenter Spike Lee praised Murphy as an “American icon,” noting that while Lee used his films to tell stories of how the nation could be better, Murphy “made our nation feel better” through laughter.
Mike Myers showed up in full Shrek makeup to pay tribute to Eddie Murphy and it was perfect

Longtime friends and collaborators shared heartfelt tributes, including Martin Lawrence, now Murphy’s in-law, who joked he can finally get all the photos he wants with the legend now that their children are married.
The ceremony highlighted Murphy’s massive nearly 50-year career, spanning from his “Saturday Night Live” breakout to blockbuster hits like “Beverly Hills Cop” and the “Shrek” franchise.
Fans at home can join the celebration soon, as the full tribute special premieres on Netflix on May 31st.














