Eddie Murphy to receive Comedy Icon Award at first annual Comedy Awards

Eddie Murphy will be the inaugural recipient of the Comedy Icon Award at the first Comedy Awards, which will be presented April 10 on multiple MTV Networks outlets, including Comedy Central, Spike, CMT, TV Land, Logo and Nick at Nite.

Murphy, who got his start on "Saturday Night Live" and made his film debut in 1982's "48 HRS," will be honored for his work in stand-up, sketches, film and television.

"Eddie Murphy's impact in the world of comedy is immeasurable," Casey Patterson, an executive producer at MTV Networks Entertainment Group, said in a statement Monday. "From the characters he created on 'SNL,' to his groundbreaking stand-up performances and unforgettable film roles, Murphy changed the game forever.''

Several presenters and attendees were also announced Monday, including Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Matt Stone, Stephen Colbert and Kristen Wiig.

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-- Susan King

Photo: Eddie Murphy in 1983. Credit: Entertainment Studios / Anchor Bay Entertainment

New Comedy Award will salute Johnny Carson

When Comedy Central unveils its new awards show April 10, it will include a new prize in memory of Johnny Carson.

The honorary Johnny Carson award for comedic excellence will hail "an individual whose groundbreaking body of work, like Johnny Carson's, has made an extraordinary contribution to the art of comedy, whose impact and innovations have changed the comedy landscape and inspired future generations of entertainers," promises the network.

Network executive Casey Patterson says, "Johnny Carson is one of the biggest legends not only in comedy, but all of entertainment. Having this award as part of our show sets the precedent of the premiere film, television and comedic talent that the Comedy Awards will honor each year and is fitting with Johnny’s legacy and love of the comedy community.”

The Comedy Awards aim to be the Oscars of comedy, and will reach out beyond just the laughmeisters who appear on Comedy Central.

-- Tom O'Neil

Photo: Comedy Central