Murphy offered suggestions to anyone looking to make it in Hollywood as he accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award: "Pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith's wife's name out your f***ing mouth."
He thanked his wife, Paige, and his team, along with a number of producers whom he has worked with over the years, including Brian Grazer, Jerry Bruckheimer and John Davis. Murphy ended his speech by claiming to offer three pointers to up-and-upcoming performers who want to have a career similar to his own.
“There is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve prosperity and peace of mind,” Murphy said. “Pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out your fucking mouth.” His reference to that infamous line — which Smith delivered while seated at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony to presenter Chris Rock after Smith slapped him — was met with laughter and applause from those in attendance.
