Eddie Murphy to receive 51st American Film Institute Life Achievment Award

America’s Highest Honor For A Career In Film To Be Presented

On April 18, 2026, At Gala Tribute To Benefit AFI’s Arts And Education Initiatives

The American Film Institute Board of Trustees have announced that Eddie Murphy will receive the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award, America’s highest honor for a career in film. The award will be presented at a Gala Tribute at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026.

“Eddie Murphy is an American icon,” said Kathleen Kennedy, Chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. “A trailblazing force in the art forms of film, television and stand-up comedy, his versatility knows no bounds. Across five decades, his enduring impact on our culture has inspired artists and audiences alike, and AFI is proud to honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award.”

The American Film Institute is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. All 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 51st AFI Life Achievement Award Honoree joins an esteemed group of individuals who have been chosen for this distinguished honor since its inception.

About Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy is the most commercially successful African-American actor in the history of the motion picture business and is one of the industry’s top five box-office performers overall. At the tender age of 64, Murphy is on the very short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures over the past three decades, from BEVERLY HILLS COP to DADDY DAY CARE.

Currently seen in the Netflix documentary BEING EDDIE, Murphy was most recently seen starring in Amazon’s heist comedy THE PICKUP and the hit holiday film CANDY CANE LANE, as well as YOU PEOPLE for Netflix. He also starred in COMING 2 AMERICA, the long-awaited sequel to his 1988 box-office hit; as well as portraying the legendary underground comic personality Rudy Ray Moore in the Netflix biopic DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, a performance which garnered him Golden Globes nominations for Best Picture Comedy/Musical and Lead Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and a Critics Choice Association nomination for Best Actor.

In 2020, he received an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and in 2023 his contributions to film were recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association when they presented him with their highest honor, The Cecil B. DeMille Award.

In 2007, Murphy received rave reviews and critical acclaim for his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early in the DreamWorks film DREAMGIRLS, a performance which would garner him the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture as well as earning him his first Academy Award® nomination in the same category.

He is also the voice of Donkey in the Oscar®-winning animated film SHREK and its sequel, SHREK 2, which is the top-grossing animated film of all time. Murphy won an Annie Award and earned BAFTA and MTV Movie Award nominations for his performance in the first SHREK and will reprise the role of Donkey in the forthcoming next installment of the hugely successful franchise.

Murphy began his career as a stand-up comedian over 45 years ago. In 1980, at the age of 19, he joined the cast of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and has since gone on to establish a successful career on the big screen.

His films have been among the highest-grossing comedies in the industry, including 48 HRS., TRADING PLACES, DR. DOLITTLE, COMING TO AMERICA and the BEVERLY HILLS COP franchise. Murphy garnered Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy for his performances in BEVERLY HILLS COP, TRADING PLACES and 48 HRS.

In 1989, Murphy made his directorial debut with HARLEM NIGHTS, a period comedy he also wrote and starred in, opposite Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. In addition, Murphy starred in and produced the hit comedy LIFE, co-starring Martin Lawrence, and starred opposite Steve Martin in the comedy BOWFINGER. He was also the voice of Mushu the Dragon in the successful animated epic MULAN.

In 1996, Murphy portrayed seven different characters in the worldwide box office smash THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, for which he received another Golden Globe Award nomination. He added a character to play a total of eight roles in the sequel, NUTTY PROFESSOR II: THE KLUMPS, co-starring Janet Jackson. He has also starred in DR. DOLITTLE 2, DADDY DAY CARE, the romantic comedy NORBIT, in which he played three characters as well as serving as the film’s producer and screenwriter, the caper comedy TOWER HEIST opposite Ben Stiller, and the drama MR. CHURCH.

Rep. Shomari Figures files bill to name Tuskegee post office in Alabama in honor of Tuskegee Airmen

U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Ala., introduced bipartisan legislation today to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen in honor of Veterans Day.

The bill introduced by Figures would designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 401 North Elm Street in Tuskegee as the “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office.”

“Today, on my first Veterans Day in Congress, I want to wish a happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who have ever put on the uniform in defense and protection of the United States of America,” Figures said in a written statement.

“You are the reason we enjoy the rights, privileges, and freedoms that we do in this country. On today and every day, I want to thank you for the commitment and courage you have shown throughout your careers to make this a better nation,” the representative continued. “I also want to thank your families, because I know when servicemembers serve, their families do too.”

The legislation has received endorsements from each of Alabama’s seven representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated.

Figures expressed hope that the bill would bring attention to the legacy and impact of the first group of African American pilots and support crews to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, who trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield.

“Every person who enters the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office will be reminded of their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country,” Figures’ office wrote.

NAACP & BET Announce Date of “57th NAACP Image Awards”

NAACP and BET announced the "57th NAACP Image Awards" will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET. Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host.

"BET is honored to continue our longstanding partnership with the NAACP to bring the Image Awards to the world in a way that uplifts and celebrates our stories," said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. "This show is a powerful reflection of our collective excellence, and we're thrilled to have Deon Cole return as host of the 57th NAACP Image Awards. His authenticity, sharp wit and deep connection to our community make him the perfect guide for this unforgettable night."

"As a comedian, actor, and cultural icon, Deon Cole has consistently used his talent to entertain, uplift, and inspire. His humor, deep appreciation for the culture, and commitment to our community has cemented him as an entertainment legend," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "It is truly an honor to have him return as the host of this year's 57th NAACP Image Awards. His presence will guide us through an evening of unforgettable moments as we celebrate the visionaries and trailblazers who continue to define and revolutionize culture."

Deon Cole is a comedian, writer, and actor, who can be seen in the title role of BET+'s dark comedy series, AVERAGE JOE, from McG, which has garnered incredible reviews from Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly. Most recently, Deon can be seen in THE MADNESS starring Colman Domingo, a political drama thriller for Netflix from Clement Virgo and VJ Boyd, produced by Chernin. Additionally, he can be seen in Blitz

Bazawule's critically acclaimed remake of THE COLOR PURPLE, the film scored 16 nominations at the 55th NAACP Image Awards, winning 11, including Outstanding Motion Picture. Before that, Deon starred in Jeymes Samuel's THE HARDER THEY FALL for Netflix opposite Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, and LaKeith Stanfield. Deon was featured in Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill's YOU PEOPLE for Netflix, acting opposite Jonah Hill, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Eddie Murphy.

Deon was previously seen as Charlie on ABC's BLACK-ISH and Freeform's GROWNISH. For his work on BLACK-ISH, Deon won three consecutive Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series awards at the 2020, 2021, and 2022 NAACP Image Awards. Deon can be heard as the voice of Dave, for DreamWorks Animation's Netflix series, KIPO AND THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS. Previously, he starred as Detective Daniel "DJ" Tanner on the TBS comedy ANGIE TRIBECA opposite Rashida Jones. Additionally, Deon was featured in the Ice Cube-led BARBERSHOP series. Next, Deon can be heard as a voice in the BET+ animated series, LIL KEV, opposite Kevin Hart and Wanda Sykes.

In standup, Deon recently released his third one-hour special for Netflix, OK, MISTER. His previous special, CHARLEEN'S BOY, was released by Netflix in 2022. His earlier special, COLE HEARTED, also for Netflix, was released in 2019 after the success of his appearance in Netflix's THE STANDUPS. His previous one-hour special, DEON COLE'S: COLE BLOODED SEMINAR, was shot for Comedy Central. His stand-up documentary, WORKIN' IT OUT, debuted exclusively on Netflix Is A Joke's YouTube channel, and has garnered 6 million views across all socials.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the "57th NAACP Image Awards" continues its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values.

This year, NAACP is introducing two new categories: Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism, recognizing excellence in nationally distributed journalism that informs, uplifts, and authentically reflects on experiences, issues, or perspectives significantly affecting the Black community, or U.S. national affairs through a lens of racial equity, social justice, or community impact; and Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special, honoring excellence in post-production editing that enhances storytelling, strengthens narrative flow, and amplifies emotional impact.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Kamala Harris, Dave Chapelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Deon Cole, Cynthia Erivo, June Ambrose, Usher, New Edition, Fantasia Barrino, Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Cortney B. Vance, Will Smith, Viola Davis,

Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Amanda Gorman, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Tems, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS WILL PROTEST TRUMP POLICIES AND TREATMENT OF DETAINEES AT ICE FACILITY

An “Eyes On ICE” protest against Trump administration policies and unjust treatment of immigrant detainees will take place tomorrow, Saturday, November 22nd, 12:00 noon, at Delaney Hall, 451 Doremus Avenue in Newark.

It is sponsored by the People’s Organization For Progress (POP) in conjunction with other organizations that have been having weekly and daily justice vigils for months at Delaney Hall.

“The purpose of this demonstration is to protest against the unfair and inhumane treatment of immigrant detainees and their families, and the failed policies of the Trump regime on immigration and other related issues,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.

“We will protest against the brutality, violence, kidnappings, illegal detentions, and murders committed by ICE agents, border patrol officers, and police. We will demand an end mass deportation and incarceration, and private prisons,” Hamm said.

“We will demand the closure of Delaney Hall, a migrant detention center that has been operating in Newark. Many people from New Jersey, and other states have been held there, and we believe their rights have been violated,” he said.

“We will call for an end to troops in our streets, violations of constitutional, civil and human rights, mass surveillance and political repression, and the unjust prosecution of protestors and elected representatives who speak out against Trump’s unjust policies,” he said.

The social justice activist said that he believed that the arrest of Mayor Baraka on May 9th at Delaney Hall, and the subsequent indictment of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver who was present when it occurred was politically motivated.

The charges against Baraka in connection with that arrest were dropped. However, Congresswoman McIver has been indicted on three counts of assault, resisting arrest, and interfering with federal officials. If convicted she could face up to 17 years in prison.

“POP believes that Congresswoman McIver is innocent. She should not have been charged,” he said.

“When the incident occurred she was there doing her job, conducting an oversight visit which she has the authority to do as a congressional representative,” he said.

Hamm said they will also be protesting against war with Venezuela, and the genocide in Gaza. “These U.S. wars abroad are directly connected to our oppression at home,” he said.

POP is organizing a caravan to get people to the demonstration at Delaney Hall. People who need transportation to the event and those who can provide rides should meet 10:30am in front of City Hall, 920 Broad street in Newark.

For more information call the People's Organization For Progress (POP) at (973)801-0001.

New book by Abby Phillip about Jesse Jackson: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, activist, raconteur, and political candidate, finally gets a book worthy of his stature courtesy of CNN anchor Abby Phillip.

Focusing on his presidential runs in 1984 and, especially, 1988, Phillip highlights how Jackson built an unlikely coalition that showed how Black political power could be consolidated. His experience working under Martin Luther King; his organizing the SLCC’s Operation Breadbasket in Chicago and beyond; and his roots in the deep South combined into two astonishingly impactful presidential campaigns. Appealing to the working people of urban enclaves like that of Chicago, young people on college campuses, and Black people across the South, he created the modern Democratic coalition―one that has been used by all major Democrats seeking national success from Obama to Biden to Harris. With her expert reporting, natural storytelling skills, and a story so full of humanity, politics, and hope, Abby Phillip has written a rousing popular history that sheds new light on an American icon.

Check out the book here: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power: Phillip, Abby: 9781250806314: Amazon.com: Books