Eddie Murphy is widely considered the most influential comedian of his generation and now he'll be getting a tribute befitting his icon status.
The Kennedy Center announced that it will award the 18th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Murphy in a star-studded show featuring tributes by Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, Trevor Noah, Jay Pharoah, Whitney Cummings, Kathy Griffin, Sam Moore, Kevin Nealon, Joe Piscopo and other special guests.
 
"We look forward to paying tribute to Eddie Murphy's important and lasting impact on American culture," said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. "Through his appearances on Saturday Night Live, groundbreaking stand-up comedy and work as a movie star, Eddie Murphy has shown that like Mark Twain, he was years ahead of his time."
 
Past recipients of the Mark Twain Prize include Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Neil Simon, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Carol Burnett and Jay Leno. On joining the elite group, Murphy said, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Kennedy Center and to join the distinguished list of past recipients of this award."
This year's event is set for Sunday, October 18. 
Watch Eddie's first-ever appearance on 106 & Park below:

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