Eddie Murphy won his first-ever Emmy on the final night of the virtual 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The legendary actor and comedian was honoured for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series for his hosting time on Saturday Night Live last December. Murphy had some great competition in the category, winning over Brad Pitt and Adam Driver, who were also up for SNL roles; Fred Willard in Modern Family (in a posthumous nomination), Dev Patel in Modern Love and Luke Kirby for his role as Lenny Bruce in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
The legendary actor wasn’t available to accept his Emmy on the virtual telecast. Murphy’s guest starring episode marked the show’s highest ratings in over two years. His return on SNL as host marked his first appearance on the show in 35 years! He joined the SNL cast for season six in 1980, when he was just 19-years-old, and lasted until his departure in 1984. Murphy had been previously nominated for four Emmys.