Eddie Murphy's Golden Globes Speech Nailed the Only Good Will Smith Joke

Eddie Murphy proved he's still one of the greatest comedians of all time at the Golden Globes when he made the night's best reference to Will Smith.

Murphy received the Globes' lifetime achievement honor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, at the ceremony. During his earnest acceptance speech, he dropped an almighty reference to the notorious moment at last year's Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock live on stage.

Murphy had the room in the palm of his hand as he spent 45 seconds explaining the "definitive blueprint" for success in the entertainment industry.

"I'm talking to all the new, up-and-coming dreamers and artists in the room tonight. I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind," he said.

The camera panned to Tyler James Williams, star of Everybody Hates Chris, who was one of many actors in the room hanging off Murphy's every word.

Murphy continued: "I've followed it my whole career. It's very simple.

"Just do these three things: pay your taxes, mind your business…" Murphy then raised his voice. "And keep Will Smith's wife's name out your f****** mouth."

The celebrity audience broke into rapturous applause for Murphy's mic drop moment.

The gag was praised across social media too. Journalist Sylvia Obell described Murphy as "the only person to make a Will Smith joke that was actually funny." Others said Murphy has "still got it" at 61 years old while some called him "the GOAT"—greatest of all time.

Actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery tweeted: "Eddie Murphy will forever be the GOAT to me. Whatever project we do together is going to be legendary."

After his acceptance speech, Murphy was asked about the joke by Extra TV host Melvin Robert.

"I love Will, and I love Chris," Murphy said, but he admitted he didn't think he'd hear from Smith afterwards.

He added that he expects Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel to address the incident during this year's ceremony on March 12.

Murphy will soon return to screens alongside Jonah Hill in the Netflix comedy You People. The trailer is online now and the film is set to be released on January 27. He is also slated to be appearing in Beverly Hills Cops 4 and a sequel to the 1988
Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy Twins, called Triplets.

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