Eddie Murphy's Oscars Heartbreak: The Untold Story

The new Netflix documentary "Being Eddie" is shedding light on a pivotal moment in Eddie Murphy's career - his Oscars snub in 2007. Going into the 79th Academy Awards ceremony on February 25, 2007, Murphy was widely considered the frontrunner to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his acclaimed performance in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. He had already swept the major precursor awards, including the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice.

However, when the envelope was opened, the Oscar went to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine. Though Murphy politely clapped, he was furious on the inside. As he reveals in the documentary, his main frustration was having to get dressed up and attend the ceremony, only to leave empty-handed. "The mindf--- for me is that I get dressed and come to the thing, 'cause I would usually not go to award shows," he says.

This wasn't Murphy's only commentary on the Oscars in the film. He suggests he may have been blacklisted by the Academy for calling out racism in Hollywood while presenting the Best Picture award at the 1988 ceremony. "I just want you to know I'm going to give this award, but Black people will not ride the caboose of society, and we will not bring up the rear anymore. I want you to recognize us," he said then, a moment that went largely unreported.

Despite the disappointment, Murphy maintains a philosophical outlook. "It's always wonderful to win stuff, but if I don't win, I don't give a f---," he says. "I still come home, and it's... I'm still Eddie in the morning."