Eddie MurphyS Bold Oscars Statement and Unfulfilled Award Dreams Explored in New Documentary
A candid reflection on Eddie Murphy’s career, with the Academy at the heart of it, is at the heart of Eddie Murphy’s upcoming Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie,” premiering November 12. Murphy recently discussed with Entertainment Weekly the surprising lack of immediate fallout from his deliberate critique of the Academy’s ancient underrepresentation of Black actors during the 1989 ceremony.
Murphy’s decision to use his platform while presenting the award for Best Picture – recognizing Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor” – was a calculated one. He initially hesitated to accept the invitation to present, telling his manager, “I’m not going because thay haven’t recognized Black people in motion pictures.” Despite anticipating a significant reaction, Murphy was taken aback by the muted response in the press.
The comedian recalled a conversation with Robin Williams backstage, where he shared his intention to speak out. “I remember being with Robin Williams backstage,” Murphy said. “I was like,’I’m gonna say this.’ And he goes to me, like, ‘But why go there?’ I was like, ‘Oh, you don’t think it’s funny?’ it was more, ‘Is it funny?’ Rather than, ‘It’s controversial.’ I was trying to be funny and say a little something, but be funny too. Have a little edge to what I said.”
At the time, the lack of recognition was stark. Only three Black performers – hattie McDaniel, Sidney Poitier, and Louis Gossett Jr. – had won acting Oscars in the Academy’s 60-year history. Murphy pointed this out in his speech, famously stating, “Actually, I might not be in any trouble as the way it’s been going is about every 20 years we get one, so we ain’t due to about 2004.” He continued, delivering a powerful message of inclusion: “I just feel that we have to be recognized as a people…Black people will not ride the caboose of society, and we will not bring up the rear anymore. And I want you to recognize us.”
Murphy clarified that his intention wasn’t to instigate a major controversy, but rather to inject humor and relevance into his presentation. “I wasn’t thinking of the ramifications,” he explained to EW. “I was just trying to be funny in the moment and I wanted what I was saying to be relevant.”
Despite his bold statement, an Oscar win has remained elusive for Murphy. He was considered a frontrunner for Best supporting Actor in 2007 for his performance in “Dreamgirls,” taking home awards from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild. However, Alan Arkin ultimately won the award for “Little Miss sunshine.” Some speculate that the timing of the release of Murphy’s comedy “Norbit” – just a week before the Oscar nominations were announced – may have impacted his chances.
Murphy has consistently defended “Norbit,” a film widely panned by critics. “I love ‘Norbit,'” he stated earlier this year on Complex’s “360 With Speedy Morman” series. “‘Norbit’ came out right after I got that Oscar nomination. there were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar, he did this?’ They’re two different movies.” He further noted the film’s reception, wryly adding, “They gave me a Razzie Awards for worst actress, worst actor and worst actor of the decade. And I was like, ‘Come on now, shit ain’t that bad.'”
The documentary promises a deeper dive into this moment and Murphy’s broader career, offering a nuanced perspective on his artistic journey and his enduring legacy in comedy.
