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Eddie Murphy Explains Why He Left the 2007 Oscars Early

He says he wanted to avoid being treated with pity after Alan Arkin won supporting actor.

Overview

  • Murphy shared the explanation in a new Entertainment Weekly interview tied to his Netflix documentary Being Eddie, which is now streaming.
  • He recalled attendees consoling him, including a shoulder rub from Clint Eastwood, and said he chose to leave quietly rather than be the "sympathy guy."
  • Murphy said he predicted Arkin’s win after an early screening of Little Miss Sunshine and praised Arkin as a deserving, "amazing" actor.
  • By departing, he missed Jennifer Hudson’s supporting actress victory and the Dreamgirls performance during the ceremony.
  • Reflecting on award-season dynamics, he called Oscar results "more art than science" and joked about the frustration of dressing up only to lose.