Eddie Murphy once again finds himself in the spotlight, as he defends his film “Norbit” amidst longstanding rumors that the comedy’s reception may have cost him the coveted Oscar for his acclaimed role in “Dreamgirls.” In a recent, candid interview, Eddie Murphy addressed critiques head-on, making it clear that he stands by “Norbit” and doesn’t see it as the cinematic misstep many have claimed.
The Oscar buzz around Eddie Murphy began in early 2007, when he was a frontrunner for Best Supporting Actor for his dynamic portrayal of James “Thunder” Early in “Dreamgirls.” Just over a week after securing his first Oscar nomination, “Norbit” hit theaters. The film, in which Murphy co-wrote and played several roles—including the unforgettable Rasputia—was met with harsh critical reviews. Major industry outlets and film experts soon began to speculate that the timing and poor reception of “Norbit” influenced Oscar voters, birthing what fans and media now call the “Norbit effect”.
Despite critics calling it one of his weaker outings and even awarding him Razzies for worst actor, worst supporting actor, and worst actress, Murphy remains unbothered. When talking to Complex in a recent feature, he chuckled, “I love Norbit… Norbit came out right after I got that Oscar nomination. There were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar, he did this?’ They’re two different movies. I wrote Norbit with my brother, Charlie, and we think Norbit is funny.” He further reflected, “The thing is, when Norbit was released, I was awarded Razzies for worst, worst, and worst actor of the decade. I thought, ‘Come on now, it’s not that bad’”.
Murphy’s optimism shines through as he describes moments from “Norbit” that still make him laugh, proving the film holds a special place in his body of work. He’s quick to point out that he doesn’t consider “Norbit” his worst film, naming “Pluto Nash” and “Holy Man” as less favorable projects instead. While critics panned “Norbit,” audiences responded differently—the movie was a box-office hit and continues to be rewatched by fans.
In the wake of the Norbit-Oscar discussion, Murphy shows humility and gratitude for his career’s longevity. He’s expressed in recent interviews that awards are not his primary motivation. “You make a lot of money and people love it, so you don’t even think about ‘I didn’t win a trophy.’ The response from the people and that the movie has legs, that’s the trophy,” Murphy shared, emphasizing his focus on audience appreciation over accolades.
Table of Contents
Legacy and Looking Forward
Alan Arkin ultimately won the 2007 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for “Little Miss Sunshine.” While speculation continues about the impact of “Norbit,” Murphy’s career remains as vibrant as ever. He’s been recognized for his contributions to comedy, taking home the Razzie Redeemer Award in 2019 after his comeback performance in “Dolemite Is My Name.” At 64, Murphy is still active in Hollywood, starring in new projects like the action-comedy “The Pickup” alongside Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer, further cementing his status as an enduring star.
Fast Facts: The Oscar, Norbit, and Murphy’s Philosophy
- Dreamgirls Oscar nomination: 2007 (Best Supporting Actor)
- Norbit release: February 9, 2007
- Razzies won for Norbit: Worst Actor, Worst Supporting Actor, Worst Actress, Worst Picture
- Oscar outcome: Alan Arkin won; Murphy did not take home the prize
Murphy takes all the noise in stride. He once joked, “One day, they’ll give me an honorary Oscar when I’m 90. I’ll say thank you so much for this wonderful honour. I’ll be cool with it”. For now, his focus remains on creating timeless films and keeping audiences entertained—trophies or not.
Eddie Murphy’s resilience and sense of humor remind fans and critics alike why he’s more than the awards he’s missed or the criticism he’s received. Do you think “Norbit” was unfairly blamed, or was it just a case of bad timing? Join the conversation below—your insights and opinions matter!