Ryan Reynolds Believes Eddie Murphy Deserves an Oscar — But Not for the Movie You’re Thinking Of

Hollywood is filled with actors who have defined generations with unforgettable performances, and Eddie Murphy stands as one of its greatest icons. Known for his incredible comedic talent, versatile acting, and magnetic presence, Murphy has had a career that spans decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. Yet, despite his success, Murphy has never won an Academy Award — a fact that Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood’s current golden boy, believes needs to be rectified.

In a recent interview, Reynolds stunned fans by sharing his opinion that Murphy should have won an Oscar for a role that often flies under the radar, despite Murphy’s impressive filmography. This surprising insight offers a fresh perspective on Murphy’s career, leading fans to question Hollywood’s tendency to overlook comedic performances and unconventional roles for prestigious awards. So, which of Murphy’s roles does Reynolds believe is worthy of an Oscar? Let’s take a closer look at the story, and why this revelation has sparked such a big conversation among fans and critics alike.

Ryan Reynolds and Eddie Murphy: A Connection Rooted in Respect

Ryan Reynolds is one of today’s most beloved actors, known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and ability to transform even small roles into memorable performances. But he’s also a vocal admirer of actors who paved the way before him, with Eddie Murphy being a major inspiration. Murphy, whose career took off in the 1980s with hits like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Trading Places, helped redefine comedy for a new generation. His success has served as a roadmap for actors like Reynolds, who respect Murphy not only as a comedian but as an influential figure in Hollywood.

When asked which role he believes deserves an Oscar, Reynolds pointed to a film that many would never expect — Murphy’s work in The Nutty Professor. While Murphy received widespread praise for this role, especially for the technical skill involved in playing multiple characters, the film was largely celebrated for its humor rather than its acting depth. However, Reynolds sees The Nutty Professor as a testament to Murphy’s unparalleled versatility and talent, and he believes the performance deserves recognition at the highest level.

Why The Nutty Professor Deserves an Oscar, According to Ryan Reynolds

In The Nutty Professor, Eddie Murphy plays Sherman Klump, a gentle and insecure professor who creates a potion to transform himself into the confident, brash Buddy Love. What makes this role unique is that Murphy didn’t just portray Sherman; he also embodied multiple members of the Klump family, each with distinct personalities, physicalities, and voices. The challenge of transforming into several different characters within the same film is no easy feat, but Murphy did it with ease, delivering a hilarious and heartfelt performance.

According to Reynolds, Murphy’s work in The Nutty Professor showcases a rare kind of artistry. “The way Eddie brought each character to life was brilliant,” Reynolds said. “He didn’t just play multiple roles; he made them each feel like real people. That’s Oscar-worthy talent.” For Reynolds, the performance in The Nutty Professor goes beyond comedy; it’s a masterclass in acting and character work that required a range and skill that few actors could replicate.

The ability to transition between characters seamlessly, in addition to the physical demands of portraying such a wide variety of roles, is something that Reynolds admires deeply. He points out that Murphy’s work in the film is not only entertaining but also technically impressive, a combination that he feels the Academy often overlooks when it comes to comedic roles.

Comedy and the Oscars: A History of Overlooked Performances

Ryan Reynolds’ call for Eddie Murphy’s Oscar recognition also sheds light on a larger issue within the Academy: the tendency to undervalue comedic performances. Comedy, especially when done at Murphy’s level, requires immense skill, timing, and dedication. Yet, it is often dismissed as “lesser” compared to drama. For actors like Murphy, this bias means that some of their most groundbreaking work goes unacknowledged, despite the challenges involved in making audiences laugh.

Reynolds’ statement has reignited the conversation around why comedic actors are so rarely rewarded with Oscars. Over the years, a few exceptions have broken through — such as Kevin Kline’s win for A Fish Called Wanda and Robin Williams for Good Will Hunting — but these are rare cases where comedy merges with dramatic elements. Murphy’s performance in The Nutty Professor, on the other hand, is pure comedic genius, blending humor with heart but lacking the kind of “seriousness” the Academy typically favors.

For Reynolds, this oversight reflects a gap in the Academy’s appreciation for the range of acting talents. He argues that actors like Murphy deserve recognition for their ability to create characters that resonate with audiences emotionally, even if those emotions come from laughter.

Eddie Murphy’s Journey with the Oscars: Almost but Never Quite There

Eddie Murphy has been nominated for an Oscar once before, for his dramatic role in Dreamgirls (2006), where he portrayed the troubled singer James “Thunder” Early. This nomination was a high point in Murphy’s career, as it allowed him to showcase his versatility in a more serious context. However, he lost the award to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine, and the defeat left many fans disappointed.

Since then, Murphy’s absence from Oscar nominations has been a topic of discussion, especially considering his continued success and influence. While Murphy’s work in films like Dolemite Is My Name (2019) and Coming 2 America (2021) have received acclaim, they haven’t broken through at the Oscars level. This ongoing omission has led many fans and critics to speculate on whether Murphy will ever receive the recognition he deserves from the Academy.

Reynolds’ comments have given new momentum to the campaign for Murphy’s Oscar, prompting fans to revisit The Nutty Professor and recognize the artistry behind Murphy’s performance.

Could Ryan Reynolds’ Comments Influence the Academy?

Ryan Reynolds’ praise of Eddie Murphy’s The Nutty Professor performance comes at a time when the Academy is under pressure to diversify and modernize its criteria for Oscar recognition. While it’s unlikely that Reynolds’ comments alone will change the Academy’s stance on awarding comedic performances, his voice adds weight to a growing movement that calls for comedy to be taken seriously.

In recent years, the Academy has been expanding its membership and adjusting its nomination processes to ensure that a wider range of films and performances are considered. As part of this shift, many hope that comedy will eventually receive the same respect as drama. Reynolds’ advocacy for Murphy’s work could be a small but significant step toward a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes “Oscar-worthy” acting.

The Legacy of Eddie Murphy’s The Nutty Professor

Whether or not Murphy ever receives an Oscar for his past roles, his legacy is secure. The Nutty Professor remains a groundbreaking film, not only for its humor but also for Murphy’s transformative performance. Through his multiple characters, Murphy created a family that was both exaggerated and deeply relatable, blending comedy with vulnerability in a way that only he could achieve.

For fans and actors alike, Murphy’s work in The Nutty Professor is a reminder that great performances come in all forms. As Reynolds put it, “It’s a role that showcases Eddie’s genius. He deserves an Oscar for that alone.”

Recognizing Comedy as Art

Ryan Reynolds’ call for Eddie Murphy’s Oscar recognition highlights a need for the Academy to embrace a broader range of acting achievements. Comedy, though often overshadowed by drama, requires a unique set of skills, and few actors have demonstrated those skills better than Murphy. His role in The Nutty Professor stands as a testament to the power of humor and the depth of character work, leaving a lasting impact on fans and on the comedy genre itself.

Whether Murphy will ever receive an Oscar remains to be seen, but thanks to voices like Reynolds’, there is renewed hope that Hollywood will eventually give comedic talent the recognition it deserves. For now, fans and colleagues alike continue to celebrate Murphy’s achievements, acknowledging that while he may not have an Oscar, he has undoubtedly earned his place as a legend in film history.