Eddie Murphy has revealed that Robin Williams tried to talk him out of making his now-famous remarks at the 1988 Academy Awards, when he publicly criticized the Oscars for failing to recognize Black performers.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly , Murphy recalled being backstage moments before presenting the Best Picture award.

“I remember being with Robin Williams backstage,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna say this.’ And he goes to me, like, ‘But why go there?’”

Murphy said Williams’ concern wasn’t about the controversy, but whether the joke would land.

“I was like, ‘Oh, you don’t think it’s funny?’” Murphy recalled. “It was more, is it funny? Rather than it’s controversial. I was trying to be funny and say a little something, but be funny too. Have a little edge t

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