Jim Carrey delivers emotional speech in French at 51st Cesar Awards

Moment marks rare public appearance for the actor at a major international awards ceremony

Jim Carrey received an honorary award at the 51st Cesar Awards in Paris, delivering an emotional acceptance speech entirely in French.

The ceremony took place at L’Olympia and honored Carrey for his contributions to international cinema.

The actor, known for films such as The Mask and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, was introduced on stage by filmmaker Michel Gondry, who directed him in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The honorary Cesar is traditionally awarded to an international film figure, with Julia Roberts receiving the distinction the previous year.

Speaking in French with a noticeable American accent, Carrey reflected on the craft of acting, describing characters as clay shaped by an artist’s hands. He also shared a personal anecdote about his ancestry, noting that his ancestor Marc-François Carré was born in Saint-Malo, France, before emigrating to Canada centuries ago. Carrey remarked that receiving the award brought his family history “full circle.”

The actor thanked his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson, partner Mina, and paid tribute to his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, crediting him with teaching the values of love, generosity, and laughter.

Closing his speech with humor, Carrey asked the audience how his French sounded, joking, “My tongue is tired,” drawing applause from attendees. The moment marked a rare public appearance for the actor at a major international awards ceremony.