Feb 27, 2026 4:08pm IST
Jim Carrey Stuns César Awards With Emotional French Speech After Receiving Honorary Prize
The 51st edition of France’s César Awards turned even more memorable when Hollywood actor Jim Carrey took to the stage after receiving this year’s honorary award and delivered an emotional speech in French, taking both the audience and social media by surprise. Carrey attended the event with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson, and girlfriend Mina.
He was introduced by Michel Gondry, director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” In his speech after receiving the honour, Carrey said, “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.”
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He then revealed that “about 300 years ago, (my) great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc François Carré, yes, Carré, was born in France, in Saint-Malo,” before emigrating to Canada. “Tonight, with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle,” the actor said.
Carrey went on to thank his family, adding, “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.”
At the end of his speech, he playfully asked the audience, “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 speech has since gone viral online, with Carrey receiving love from all corners of the world.
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