Eddie Murphy Explains Why He Walked Out of the 2007 Oscars After Losing Best Supporting Actor

Eddie Murphy has finally explained why he left the 2007 Academy Awards earlier than expected after losing the Best Supporting Actor award. The actor says the decision had nothing to do with anger or disappointment.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Murphy shared that the night became uncomfortable after his loss because people kept approaching him with sympathy. He said he did not want to spend the rest of the evening being comforted by other celebrities.

“What happened was I was at the Oscars, I had lost, and then people kept coming over to me and kept [patting] me on the shoulder,” Murphy said. “Clint Eastwood came and rubbed my shoulder. And I was like, ‘Oh, no, no, I’m not gonna be this guy all night. Let’s just leave.’”

Murphy explained that his exit was calm and planned, not dramatic. “I didn’t storm out,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m not gonna be the sympathy guy all night.’”

That year, Murphy was nominated for his role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls. He was up against Mark Wahlberg, Jackie Earle Haley, Djimon Hounsou, and Alan Arkin. Arkin won the Oscar for his performance in Little Miss Sunshine.

Murphy also recalled watching Little Miss Sunshine before it was released and already knowing that Arkin’s role was special. He said he predicted the Oscar win months ahead of time.

“Jeff Katzenberg invited me over to see ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ six months before it came out,” Murphy said. “I watched Alan and I turned to Jeff afterwards and I said, ‘Now that performance right there is one of those performances that will steal somebody’s Oscar.’”

Murphy joked that the prediction ended up coming true. “I was like, ‘He could steal somebody’s Oscar,’ then he stole mine,” he said, before adding with a laugh, “No, I don’t feel like he stole mine.”

Dreamgirls had a strong night overall at the 2007 Oscars. The film earned eight nominations and won awards for sound mixing and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson.

Murphy’s explanation feels honest and relatable. Wanting to avoid awkward moments and constant sympathy is understandable, especially on a big night like the Oscars. What do you think about Eddie Murphy’s decision to leave early? Was it the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments.