Eddie Murphy Says He Was Blacklisted by the Academy After Speaking About Racism at the 1988 Oscars

Eddie Murphy is revisiting a pivotal moment in his career — one that he believes may have changed how Hollywood saw him for decades. In the new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, the 64-year-old comedian reflects on the 1988 Academy Awards, where he used his moment as a presenter to call out racism in the film industry.

Eddie Murphy Reflects on His 1988 Oscars Speech

Murphy, who presented the Best Motion Picture award at the 60th Academy Awards, recalled that night as both bold and career-defining. “Every now and then, somebody will see it and be like, ‘Wow. Eddie was talking s— at the Oscars way back then?’” he says in the film.

The actor admitted that he knew his comments could come at a cost. “I even said right before, ‘I’ll probably never get an Oscar for saying this,’ and then I went and did it.”

During the live telecast, Murphy told the audience that he had initially hesitated to present the award.

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

He then addressed the issue head-on before announcing the winner.

“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.”

“It Was Like I Wasn’t at the Oscars”

In Being Eddie, Murphy said the aftermath of his speech felt like Hollywood turned its back on him.

“The next day it was like I didn’t say anything,” he explained. “There were no pictures of me at the Oscars. No coverage. No mention that I said that. It was like I wasn’t even there.”

Although Murphy went on to enjoy an extraordinary career spanning stand-up comedy, film, and television, he suggested that the Academy didn’t look favorably on him after that moment.

Despite being nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his acclaimed role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls (2006), Murphy lost to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.

“I haven’t gotten an Oscar, and I’ve done everything,” Murphy remarked. “I’ve played everything and done everything. And I haven’t gotten an Oscar.” He added with a laugh, “But I don’t think it’s because of that.”

Robin Williams Tried to Talk Him Out of It

Murphy also revealed that the late comedian Robin Williams had tried to dissuade him from bringing up race during the ceremony.

“I remember being with Robin Williams backstage,” Murphy recalled. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna say this.’ And he goes, ‘But why go there?’”

Murphy admitted he wanted to mix humor with honesty: “I was trying to be funny and say a little something, but with an edge.”

A Hollywood Trailblazer Reflects

Directed by Angus Wall, a two-time Academy Award winner, Being Eddie features appearances from a long list of fellow comedians and entertainers, including Arsenio Hall, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Kenan Thompson, Kevin Hart, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Tracy Morgan.

The documentary highlights Murphy’s nearly 50-year career — from his groundbreaking days on Saturday Night Live to his success in blockbusters like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor.

According to Netflix’s synopsis, the film celebrates Murphy’s impact as “a barrier-breaking artist who changed the landscape of comedy, film, and culture.”

Honoring His Legacy

Murphy’s reflections come at a time when Hollywood continues to reckon with its history of underrepresentation. His willingness to challenge the industry publicly in 1988 is now being seen as one of the earliest examples of a major Black star using an Oscar platform to address systemic bias.

While Murphy’s relationship with the Academy has remained distant, his influence on comedy and film is undeniable — inspiring generations of performers who followed.

“It was a moment that needed to be said,” he says in the documentary. “I spoke from the heart — and I’d do it again.”

Being Eddie is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans an intimate look at the life, legacy, and fearlessness of one of entertainment’s most iconic figures.

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