Eddie Murphy recently revisited his 1988 Oscar speech, recalling Robin Williams’ advice just before he took the stage to deliver remarks critiquing the Academy’s recognition of Black artists. The reflective moment, tied to Murphy’s new documentary, sheds light on the emotional tension leading up to one of his most memorable public statements, keeping the Eddie Murphy 1988 Oscar speech in focus.
Murphy Shares the Backstory Behind His Oscars Speech
While promoting his latest documentary, Being Eddie, Eddie Murphy discussed the circumstances that led to his notable appearance at the 1988 Academy Awards. He recounted preparing a speech that challenged the Academy’s record of honoring Black actors and the hesitancy others expressed about his plans. Robin Williams, co-presenter that night, spoke with Murphy backstage, with both men understanding the gravity of the moment.
“I remember being with Robin Williams backstage. I was like, ‘I’m gonna say this,’”
— Eddie Murphy, Entertainment Weekly
Williams advised caution, questioning Murphy’s approach just before he considered stepping onto the stage.
“And he goes to me, like, ‘But why go there?’”
— Robin Williams, according to Murphy. Murphy revealed that, far from being concerned with stir or controversy, Williams’ uncertainties focused mainly on the tone—whether Murphy’s remarks would carry the right balance of seriousness and humor.
“I was like, ‘Oh, you don’t think it’s funny?’ It was more, is it funny? Rather than it’s controversial,”
— Eddie Murphy, Entertainment Weekly
The Speech That Resolved to Address Injustice with Humor
As Oscar night unfolded, Murphy pressed ahead against Williams’ apprehensions and delivered the speech as planned, taking a moment to express both frustration and hope as he presented the Best Picture award to Bernardo Bertolucci for The Last Emperor. In his speech, Murphy explained that he initially declined the Academy’s invitation to present the award. His reason, as he relayed to attendees, was the lack of recognition for Black artists in film.
Referencing the slim list of Black Oscar winners up to that time—Hattie McDaniel, Sidney Poitier, and Louis Gossett Jr.—Murphy highlighted the underrepresentation that had persisted throughout the Academy’s six decades. He also acknowledged the risk attached to his words, predicting the outcome with wry humor.
“Actually, I might not be in any trouble ’cause the way it’s been going is about every 20 years we get one,”
— Eddie Murphy, Academy Awards
“So we ain’t due to about 2004. So by that time, this will all be blown over.”
— Eddie Murphy, Academy Awards
The speech underscored Murphy’s ongoing wish for more inclusive acknowledgment, indicating that Black performers deserved to move beyond marginalization in the entertainment industry. He made clear, both in the speech and in subsequent interviews, that his intention was to spark conversation with wit and sincerity, rather than to provoke for its own sake.
Reflecting on the Moment’s Impact
Murphy later admitted that he did not stop to consider the consequences of his words, focusing instead on using humor to raise an important issue. Even as he faced possible backlash, the Emmy winner stood by the need to speak up.
Names like Sidney Poitier, Hattie McDaniel, and Louis Gossett Jr. resonated powerfully during the 1988 Oscars, connecting Murphy’s critique to a longer struggle for recognition. The moment also marked a key intersection for figures such as Robin Williams, whose backstage advice highlighted the uncertainty and emotional weight experienced by those involved.
For the Academy and those watching, the Eddie Murphy 1988 Oscar speech served as a pointed reminder of the need for progress, with its influence rippling through later discussions about representation and recognition in Hollywood.
