Eddie Murphy has broken his silence on one of the longest-running Hollywood rumors—that his 2007 comedy Norbit cost him the Academy Award for Dreamgirls. In a recent interview, Murphy brushed off the criticism and defended the movie, insisting, “Come on now, it ain’t that bad.”
The comedy, which saw Murphy playing multiple outrageous characters including the infamous Rasputia, was released just a week after he earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Dreamgirls. Many speculated the timing and crude humor of Norbit damaged his chances with Academy voters. But Murphy disagrees, pointing out that the two films are entirely separate and that he still finds Norbit hilarious.
Murphy’s Unapologetic View
When asked to reflect on his career, Murphy admitted it’s easier to identify his flops than his hits. He openly labeled The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Holy Man as genuine misfires. However, when Norbit was brought up, he laughed off its negative reputation.
“I love Norbit,” Murphy said. “It came out right after I got that Oscar nomination. They’re two completely different movies. We think Norbit is funny.” He added that even today, certain scenes still make him laugh out loud.
Box Office vs. Critics
Norbit was a commercial success, earning over $150 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. Despite the strong box office, critics panned it mercilessly, and it won multiple Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actor. Murphy himself earned the dubious honor of Worst Actor of the Decade, largely due to his performances in that era.
The contrast was stark—just days after being celebrated for Dreamgirls, he was criticized for delivering one of the “worst films” of the year. Whether Norbit truly cost him the Oscar remains an open question, but the award ultimately went to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.
Career Highs and Lows
Murphy’s decades-long career is filled with box office smashes and critical duds. When reflecting on his best work, he often mentions classics like:
- Coming to America
- The Nutty Professor
- Shrek
- Dreamgirls
- 48 Hrs.
On the flip side, The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Holy Man top his personal list of failures. Both films suffered at the box office, with Pluto Nash becoming one of Hollywood’s most famous flops.
Interestingly, Murphy revealed he has only auditioned once in his career—for Saturday Night Live at age 19. From that point on, he never needed to read for a role again.
Why It Matters
The discussion around Norbit shows how one project can shape an actor’s public image, especially when released at a career-defining moment. Murphy’s defense of the film proves he isn’t interested in rewriting history or apologizing for his choices. Instead, he embraces the full spectrum of his work—hits, misses, and everything in between.
As Murphy continues to balance nostalgia with new projects, his willingness to own Norbit reflects a confidence and humor that have kept him relevant for decades.
Eddie Murphy’s comments not only reopen the debate over the so-called “Norbit effect,” but also remind audiences that success in Hollywood isn’t just about awards—it’s about making the work you believe in, even if it divides opinion. What’s your take? Do you think Norbit hurt his Oscar chances, or is it simply a misunderstood comedy?