Jim Carrey Delivers Emotional Speech in French While Receiving Cesar Awards Honor: ‘My Tongue Is Tired’
jim carrey received an honorary award at the 51st edition of France’s César Awards, delivering an emotional speech entirely in French. The star of "The Mask" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was introduced on stage by Michel Gondry and attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson and companion Mina.
Jim Carrey Speaks in French
On stage Carrey spoke in French with a thick American accent. He 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. " He closed the speech by asking 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. "
Introduction and Film Connections
He was introduced on stage by Michel Gondry, who directed him in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" 22 years ago. The honorary award he received at the 51st César Awards is traditionally given to an international star, with last year’s honoree noted as Julia Roberts.
Family, Ancestor and Thanks
Carrey revealed a family connection to France, saying that "about 300 years ago, (his) great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, yes, Carré, was born in France, in Saint Malo" and emigrated to Canada. "Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle, " he said. He thanked family directly: "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. " He attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson and girlfriend Mina.
Cloning Theory Resurfaces
Shortly after the César Awards, social media users circulated videos and photos and some claimed Carrey looked "unrecognisable, " prompting renewed speculation that the actor had been "cloned" or replaced. The speculation lacks credible proof. Clips and images from the ceremony prompted comments about perceived changes in facial features and demeanour; some viewers described his face as "swollen" or "too smooth, " others cited "dead eyes" or a change in tone. A post shared by 3M Commanders (@historyinmemes) amplified questions about whether he had been replaced.
Past Episodes and Reactions
The 'Jim Carrey clone' narrative appears to have emerged around 2014–2017, a period noted for the actor making unconventional public comments about existentialism, identity and power structures. In 2014, Carrey appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and jokingly referenced the Illuminati while making a triangle hand gesture, and in that interview he suggested media figures were sometimes used as distractions; the segment was widely shared and some viewers interpreted his remarks as more than satire. By 2017, following the overdose death of his former girlfriend Cathriona White and his increasingly philosophical interviews, including a red carpet moment where he said 'Jim Carrey doesn't exist, ' conspiracy forums began suggesting he had been 'replaced' after speaking out.
Similar claims about his appearance circulated after his appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2025. Some reports have cited plastic surgeons who had not treated Carrey and suggested normal ageing, lighting, weight fluctuations, or possible cosmetic procedures could explain perceived differences; none of those observations constitutes evidence of cloning. Carrey, who is now in his 60s, has also spoken publicly about stepping back from acting and living a quieter life, which may contribute to shifts in public perception. In broader context, celebrity 'replacement' or 'cloning' conspiracies are not new—the long-running claim that Paul McCartney died in the 1960s and was secretly replaced is one well-known example. In Carrey’s case, some proponents link the theory to his outspoken positions on vaccines, influenced in part by his past relationship with Jenny McCarthy, as well as his critiques of Hollywood culture.
Some aspects of expert commentary that followed these debates are unclear in the provided context.
At the César ceremony, the actor combined personal history, family thanks and a tongue-in-cheek self-assessment of his French, accepting the honorary prize in a speech that blended gratitude, ancestry and performance.
