Jim Carrey's French Moment at Césars
Jim Carrey became a viral highlight of the César Awards in Paris after receiving an honorary award. The actor's acceptance speech, delivered in French, created a notable cross-cultural moment at France's equivalent of the Oscars, fusing Hollywood star power with Parisian cinema.
The honorary César Carrey received is a prestigious lifetime achievement award, joining a roster of past international recipients like Julia Roberts (2025), Christopher Nolan (2024), David Fincher (2023), and Cate Blanchett (2022). The award itself, a compressed metal sculpture, was designed by artist César Baldaccini and is considered the highest film honor in France. The ceremony at L'Olympia in Paris opened with a sketch referencing Carrey's 1994 hit "The Mask," performed by the evening's presenter, Benjamin Lavernhe. Director Michel Gondry, who worked with Carrey on the 2004 film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," introduced the actor, leading to a visibly emotional moment for Carrey. In a rare public appearance, the actor delivered his entire acceptance speech in French, which he is still learning. He joked about his proficiency, asking the audience, "So, how was my French? Almost mediocre, right? Forgive me...My tongue is tired," which drew laughter and a standing ovation. Carrey also shared a personal connection to the country, revealing that his ancestor, Marc-François Carré, was born in Saint-Malo, France, around 300 years ago before emigrating to Canada. He played on the meaning of his original surname, which means "square" in French, stating, "Tonight, with this magnificent honor, this square has come full circle." He attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson, and girlfriend Mina, and paid tribute to his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, whom he called the "funniest man I have ever known." The actor, who has largely stepped back from Hollywood to focus on painting, was also urged not to abandon the profession by Emmanuel Curtil, the actor who dubs his voice in French films.
