The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Murphy included fellow "SNL" stars sharing how he broke the mold as an alumnus, plus Dave Chappelle pitching him a future collaboration.

Eddie Murphy took a moment to look out at the star-studded room at the American Film Institute ceremony — at his family, his peers, the people who have shared his journey — and let it all sink in.

To kick off the show, Kevin Hart came to the Dolby Theatre stage, calling his comedic predecessor an “idol.”