AFI Life Achievement Award

AFI Life Achievement Award (1973- )

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The AFI Life Achievement Award was established by the Board of Directors of the American Film Institute on February 26, 1973 to honor a single individual for his or her lifetime contribution to enriching American culture through motion pictures and television. The Recipient is selected and honored at a ceremony annually, with the award presented by a master of ceremonies and recently, the prior year's recipient, who usually gives a brief synopsis of the awarded individual and career background including highlights and achievements. 

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Last Episode

A Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Year 2026Episode 1

A Tribute to Eddie Murphy

An Emmy® winner, Grammy® winner, Golden Globe winner, Academy Award® nominee and box office superstar, Eddie Murphy is a legendary artist whose iconic performances have defined American culture, brought joy to audiences around the world and influenced generations of artists.

Murphy began his career at age 17 performing stand-up in New York and quickly became known for his celebrity impressions and on-stage charisma. Just a few short years later, he landed a spot on Ssturday Night Live (SNL) at age 19, making him the youngest cast member at the time. His bold comedic persona took late-night television by storm and his characters quickly became fan favorites. During his tenure, Murphy made history as the first person to host while still a cast member, garnered three Emmy® nominations and launched his big-screen career. 

May 31, 2026

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2026-05-31A Tribute to Eddie MurphyMay 31, 2026
2025-06-18A Tribute to Francis Ford CoppolaJun 18, 2025
2024-06-17A Tribute to Nicole KidmanJun 17, 2024
2022-06-09A Tribute to Julie AndrewsJun 9, 2022
2019-06-06A Tribute to Denzel WashingtonJun 6, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When was the AFI Life Achievement Award premiered?

The AFI Life Achievement Award premiered on June 21, 1973.

Who was receiving the award in the year 1973?

John Ford was receiving the award in the year 1973.

Who is the youngest person to receive the award?

Steven Spielberg is the youngest person to receive the award at the age of 45.

How many honorees have been awarded for their achievements in television?

Thirty-five honorees have been awarded for their achievements in television.

Who was the first woman to receive the award?

Bette Davis was the first woman to receive the award.

Who was the only honoree to refuse to receive the award?

George C. Scott was the only honoree to refuse to receive the award.

What was the genre of the first honoree?

John Ford, the first honoree, was a film director.

How many times has Sidney Poitier been honored with the award?

Sidney Poitier has been honored with the award twice.

Who is the most recent honoree to have received the award?

Denzel Washington is the most recent honoree to have received the award in 2019.

Who is the only non-American honoree of the AFI Life Achievement Award?

Satyajit Ray, an Indian filmmaker, is the only non-American honoree of the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Has the award ever been given posthumously?

No, the award has never been given posthumously.

How many people have been awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award?

48 people have been awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Who was the first honoree to receive the award in the 21st century?

Harrison Ford was the first honoree to receive the award in the 21st century.

Cast

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg

plays himself
Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett

plays herself
Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese

plays himself
Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep

plays herself
Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda

plays herself
Sean Penn

Sean Penn

plays himself
Al Pacino

Al Pacino

plays himself
George Lucas

George Lucas

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Host

Host

played by Steven Spielberg
Host

Host

played by Carol Burnett
Host

Host

played by Martin Scorsese
Host

Host

played by Meryl Streep
Host

Host

played by Jane Fonda
Host

Host

played by Sean Penn
Host

Host

played by Al Pacino
Host

Host

played by George Lucas
View all characters

Also known as

  • American Film Institute Salute to... (United States)
  • AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to... (United States)

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