Jim Carrey Gives French-Language Acceptance Speech as He Wins Honor at 51st Cesar Awards

jim carrey drew a standing ovation from the crème de la crème of French cinema at the 51st César Awards when he accepted this year’s honorary award and delivered an emotional speech entirely in French.

Carrey honored with César lifetime-style award

The actor, noted in the program as the star of The Mask and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, received the honorary César that is traditionally given to an international star — last year’s recipient was Julia Roberts. The moment marked a formal recognition of his work in front of France’s film community at the 51st edition of the ceremony.

Introduced onstage by Michel Gondry

Michel Gondry, who directed Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 22 years ago, introduced him onstage. Carrey then addressed the audience in French, speaking with a thick American accent, and opened with a line about acting: “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. ”

Jim Carrey traces family roots to Saint Malo

Carrey revealed a personal connection to France in his speech, 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. He framed the honor as a symbolic return, saying, “Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle. ” Carrey attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson and his girlfriend Mina.

Family thanks and the final quip

He used his acceptance to thank 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 closed by testing the audience’s verdict on 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. ”

What’s next is unclear in the provided context

Details about any immediate follow-ups, appearances or next projects were unclear in the provided context.