Eddie Murphy has explained why he left the Academy Awards ceremony on 25 February 2007 shortly after losing the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Dreamgirls. The incident, which unfolded in front of a global television audience, became one of the most debated moments of that awards season.
Moments Following The Oscar Result
Murphy had been nominated for his role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls. The award was won by Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine. Following the announcement, Murphy was no longer present inside the venue, prompting widespread discussion about his decision to leave before the ceremony ended.
Reasons For His Departure
Murphy has now stated that the decision was not connected to protest or dissatisfaction with the result. He explained that following the announcement, several figures within the industry approached him repeatedly during the ceremony. He said the repeated interactions prompted him to leave rather than remain seated for the rest of the event.
Murphy described one moment that stood out. He said, “Clint Eastwood came and rubbed my shoulder. And I was like, ‘Oh, no, no, I’m not gonna be this guy all night. Let’s just leave.’” He also addressed claims about his behaviour, saying, “I didn’t storm out. I was like, ‘I’m not gonna be the sympathy guy all night.“
His View On The Award Result
Murphy also spoke about his view of the outcome before the ceremony. He said he watched Little Miss Sunshine months earlier at a private screening. He explained what he noticed at the time, saying,
I literally watched the movie, and I watched Alan – and I hadn’t been nominated or anything yet – and I watched the movie, and I turned to Jeff afterwards, and I said, ‘Now that performance right there is one of those performances that will steal somebody’s Oscar.’”
That loss remains Eddie Murphy’s only Academy Award nomination to date.
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