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Eddie Murphy Explains 2007 Oscars Exit: He Left to Avoid Being the 'Sympathy Guy'

The explanation came in an Entertainment Weekly interview tied to his Netflix documentary Being Eddie.

Overview

  • Murphy says repeated consolations, including a shoulder rub from Clint Eastwood, prompted him to leave quietly after losing best supporting actor.
  • He recalls predicting Alan Arkin’s win after an early Little Miss Sunshine screening and emphasizes Arkin deserved the Oscar.
  • His early exit meant he missed Jennifer Hudson’s supporting actress victory and the Dreamgirls cast’s performances.
  • He describes Oscar results as shaped by campaigning, timing and career recognition rather than a simple performance-only formula.
  • In Being Eddie, he jokes about the frustration of dressing up to lose and notes he typically avoids award shows.