Jim Carrey Accepts Lifetime César in French — And the Crowd’s Reaction Says It All

The 51st César Awards in France had a strong Hollywood moment this year. Jim Carrey received an honorary César and surprised the room by giving his full speech in French.

The César is one of France’s top film honors. The honorary prize usually goes to a major international star. Last year, it was given to Julia Roberts. This time, the spotlight was on Carrey, known worldwide for films like The Mask and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Carrey was introduced by director Michel Gondry, who worked with him on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind more than 20 years ago. The reunion added meaning to the tribute.

When Carrey began speaking, he chose French instead of English. His accent was clearly American, but the audience welcomed the effort. In his speech, he reflected on acting and what it means to him. “As an actor, each character you play is like clay in the sculptor’s hands, which you shape to your heart’s desire. How fortunate I have been to share this art with so many people who have truly opened their hearts to me.”

He also shared a personal story about his family roots. He said that centuries ago, one of his ancestors, Marc-François Carré, was born in Saint-Malo, France, before later moving to Canada. Playing with the meaning of his last name, he told the crowd, “Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle.” The line earned applause.

Carrey attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson, and his partner Mina. He thanked them directly from the stage. “Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and forever. Thank you to my sublime companion, Mina. I love you, Mina. And finally, thank you to the funniest man I have ever known: my father. Percy Joseph Carrey who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter.” The moment was emotional and sincere.

Still, Carrey did not forget his comic side. As he closed his speech, he joked with the audience about his language skills. “So, how was my French? Almost mediocre, right? Forgive me, I didn’t speak French, but I’m just learning it. My tongue is tired.” The room responded with laughter and a standing ovation.

The night showed a different side of Carrey. Many people know him for over-the-top comedy roles. At this event, he mixed humor with gratitude and respect for French cinema. His choice to speak French made the moment feel personal and thoughtful.

This was more than just another lifetime award. It showed how much Carrey values his craft and his audience. Making the effort to speak another language on such a big stage says a lot. What do you think about his speech in French? Was it a bold move or just classic Carrey charm? Share your thoughts in the comments.