Comedy legend Eddie Murphy is set to receive the 51st American Film Institute Award.

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"Eddie Murphy is an American icon," Kathleen Kennedy, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, said in a statement Friday.

"A trailblazing force in the art forms of film, television and stand-up comedy, his versatility knows no bounds. Across five decades, his enduring impact on our culture has inspired artists and audiences alike, and AFI is proud to honor him with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award."

The honor will be presented to Murphy, 64, at a gala at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on April 18.

Recent recipients include Diane Keaton, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Julie Andrews, Nicole Kidman and Francis Ford Coppola.

Murphy is known for his roles in Saturday Night Live, Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places, Coming to America, Boomerang, The Nutty Professor, Dreamgirls, Dr. Doolittle and the Shrek franchise.

He is an Emmy and Grammy winner who also earned the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Cecile B. DeMille Award.

Being Eddie, a documentary about his life and career, was released this week on Netflix.