Eddie Murphy believes he was blacklisted by the Academy Awards after speaking candidly about racism in Hollywood during his presenter speech at the 60th Oscars in 1988. The legendary comedian, now 64, reflects on the moment in the new Netflix documentary, Being Eddie, which chronicles his career and decades-long influence in comedy and film.

The Controversial 1988 Oscars Speech

Murphy, presenting the Oscar for Best Motion Picture, initially considered turning down the role:

“My first reaction was to say, ‘No, I ain’t going. I’m not going because they haven’t recognized Black people in the motion pictures.’”

During the live broadcast, Murphy boldly addressed the lack of representation and recognition for Black actors, telling the audience:

“I just want you to know I’m going to give this award, but Black people will not ride the caboose of society, and we will not bring up the rear anymore. I want you to recognize us.”

Reflecting in the documentary, Murphy explained:

“Every now and then, somebody will see it and be like, ‘Wow. Eddie was talking s—- at the Oscars way back then?’ I even said right before, I said, ‘I’ll probably never get an Oscar for saying this….’ And I went…. I went and did it.”

Fallout and Reflections

Murphy recalls that the day after the Oscars, his presence was largely erased from media coverage:

“There were no pictures of me at the Oscars. There was no coverage of me. There was no mention that I said that. It was like I wasn’t at the Oscars.”

He joked about his continued Oscar absence, despite a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2007 for Dreamgirls:

“I haven’t gotten an Oscar, and I’ve done everything. I’ve played everything and done everything. And I haven’t gotten an Oscar. But I don’t think it’s because of that.”

Even fellow comedian Robin Williams reportedly advised Murphy against addressing race that night, but Murphy insisted:

“I was trying to be funny and say a little something, but be funny too. Have a little edge to what I said.”

About Being Eddie

Directed by two-time Academy Award winner Angus Wall, Being Eddie features appearances from comedy legends including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more. The documentary celebrates Murphy’s 50-year career, highlighting his influence on comedy, film, and culture.

Being Eddie is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.