Eddie Murphy’s Powerful Golden Globe Speech: A Bold Joke with a Serious Message on Representation in Hollywood

The Golden Globe awards ceremony this year was filled with memorable moments, but perhaps none as surprising as Eddie Murphy’s acceptance speech for the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award. While giving his acceptance speech, Murphy took a moment to offer a “definitive blueprint” for success, prosperity, longevity, and peace of mind.

“It’s very simple,” Murphy said. “You just do these three things: Pay your taxes, mind your business, and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth.” The full quote was censored for the broadcast, but viewers could still read his lips.

This comment was in reference to an incident that occurred at the previous year’s Oscars, where Will Smith grew irate when host Chris Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald hairstyle, which she had started wearing after embracing her alopecia. In the joke, Rock compared Pinkett Smith to “G.I. Jane”, which caused Smith to storm the stage and slap the comic.

Eddie Murphy, who wasn’t nominated for a Golden Globe this year, was instead presented with the honorific Cecil B. DeMille award. The award was introduced by Tracy Morgan, who described how Murphy’s work on Saturday Night Live, as a stand-up, and later on the big screen, inspired his own career. Audiences then watched a montage of Murphy’s extensive work in film, TV, and stand-up. Trading Places co-star Jamie Lee Curtis joined Morgan on stage to present the award to Murphy.

Despite not being nominated, Murphy still managed to steal the show with his speech, and his comment about Will Smith was the talk of the night. Many audience members were surprised by the boldness of Murphy’s statement, but it was clear from the reaction of the crowd that he had made a lasting impression.

Will Smith’s infamous Oscar slap was not the only topic of conversation at the Golden Globe awards ceremony. Emcee Jerrod Carmichael also made a number of scandalous one-liners throughout the night, such as offering to trade Tom Cruise’s returned Golden Globes for the missing Scientology leader Shelley Miscavage, and blaming the Beverly Hilton for Whitney Houston’s death.

Murphy’s comment about Will Smith may have been a joke, but it highlights the ongoing conversation about representation and inclusion in Hollywood. Will Smith’s frustration at the Oscars last year was a reaction to the way his wife Jada Pinkett Smith was being portrayed and the lack of recognition for her work. This incident was just one example of the larger issue of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of marginalized groups in the entertainment industry.

Murphy, who has been a trailblazer in Hollywood for decades, has also been vocal about the need for more representation and diversity. His career has been marked by his ability to play a wide variety of roles and break through barriers in the industry. He is a shining example of how representation matters, and how a more diverse Hollywood can lead to more interesting and nuanced storytelling.

The Golden Globe Awards ceremony is not only about honouring the best in film and television, but also about starting important conversations. Eddie Murphy’s comment may have been a joke, but it shines a light on the need for more representation and inclusion in Hollywood. It is a reminder that the entertainment industry needs to do better when it comes to representing marginalized groups and providing them with equal opportunities.

As we move forward, it is important that we continue to have these conversations and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable industry. Eddie Murphy’s comment may have been just a joke, but it serves as a powerful reminder that representation matters, and that Hollywood still has a long way to go to be truly inclusive.

In conclusion the Golden Globe awards ceremony of 2021 was memorable for many reasons, but Eddie Murphy’s acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille award and his comment on Will Smith’s incident will definitely be one of the highlights.