The critics are paying the ultimate homage to Eddie Murphy.
The “Dolemite Is My Name” star will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his stellar movie career at the 25th Annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 19. Murphy is already nominated for the best actor award for his role as Rudy Ray Moore in Netflix’s “Dolemite.”
Murphy will be feted for a career which places the “SNL” star on the short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures over the past three decades, from “Beverly Hills Cop” (which just turned 35) to “Daddy Day Care.”
Some of Murphy’s other hits include “48 Hours,” “Trading Places,” “Coming to America,” “Harlem Nights,” “Bowfinger,” “The Nutty Professor” and the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise.
In 2007, Murphy won the Critics’ Choice best actor for his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early in “Dreamgirls,” a performance which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
Murphy told USA TODAY before the release of “Dolemite” that his banner 2019 year is not a comeback, despite fans insistence.
“People are saying, ‘You’re back! It’s a comeback!’ ” said Murphy. “I’m like, no, I’m not trying to do a comeback. I’ve just been enjoying sitting on the couch so much. A few years ago, I was like, ‘I could sit on this couch and stay here watching ‘Little Women: LA’ and their exploits.’ ”
Murphy had a stellar return to “SNL” on Dec. 21 and will undertake his first comedy tour in three decades in 2020.
“Dolemite” director Craig Brewer has finished filming Murphy and Arsenio Hall in a sequel to 1988’s “Coming to America,” which is set for theaters in 2020.
