Jim Carrey Stuns Paris With Emotional César Award Speech, New Look, and Girlfriend Reveal
Jim Carrey made his first public appearance of 2026 Thursday night, February 26 ET — and the internet cannot stop talking about it. The 63-year-old comedy legend stepped onto the stage at L'Olympia in Paris to receive the Honorary César Award at the 51st Cesar Awards ceremony, delivered an entire speech in French, publicly revealed his girlfriend for the first time, and sent the crowd into an eruption of laughter with a final burst of his legendary facial expressions.
Jim Carrey Receives Honorary César Award — France's Lifetime Achievement Honor
Jim Carrey got the creme de la creme of French cinema on their feet at the 51st edition of France's César Awards, where he received this year's honorary award — the ceremony's equivalent of a lifetime achievement honor. Recent recipients of the honorary César include Julia Roberts in 2025, Christopher Nolan in 2024, David Fincher in 2023, and Cate Blanchett in 2022.
Carrey was introduced on stage by Michel Gondry, who directed him in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 22 years ago. Carrey was visibly moved by the reception he received from the French film industry's elite, tearing up as Gondry took the stage to reflect on their collaboration.
Jim Carrey Delivers His Entire Speech in French — With a Perfect Punchline
The moment that captivated the world was Carrey delivering his entire acceptance speech in French — complete with a thick American accent and a self-deprecating closer that brought the house down. He said in French: "As an actor, each character you play is like clay in the sculptor's hands, which you shape to your heart's desire."
Accepting his honorary César Award, he told the audience: "About three hundred years ago, my great-great-great-great-grandfather, Marc François Carrey, left Saint-Malo in France for Canada. Tonight, with this magnificent honor, this square has come full circle. Perhaps this is what my family was looking for." At the end of his speech, he 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."
Jim Carrey Goes Public With Girlfriend Minzi for the First Time
The most personally revelatory moment of the ceremony came inside Carrey's acceptance speech. Jim Carrey publicly acknowledged his longtime girlfriend Minzi for the first time, saying during his speech: "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."
Jim and Minzi were first spotted together in February 2022 during a night out in Los Angeles. It remains unclear exactly how long they have been together. Minzi is a Los Angeles-based actress and artist, and she was present alongside Carrey's daughter Jane and grandson Jackson for the Paris ceremony.
Jim Carrey's New Look Goes Viral — Clone Theory Takes Over Social Media
Beyond the speech and the romance reveal, Carrey's physical appearance sent social media into a frenzy. Jim Carrey wore his hair noticeably longer, falling to his shoulders while keeping his signature middle part. He completed the look with a black tuxedo, buttoned-up black shirt, and matching bow tie.
Jim Carrey's rare appearance at the 2026 César Awards went viral after fans noted visible changes in his physical features — resurrecting a longstanding internet "clone theory" that periodically gains traction whenever the actor makes a public appearance. The wave of "unrecognizable" comments flooded every social media platform within minutes of the first photos emerging from Paris.
Jim Carrey's Life Now: Painting, Retirement, and a Rare Return to the Spotlight
Carrey has significantly scaled back his public presence in recent years and has not taken on new roles since Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released in 2024. This outing marks his first public appearance of 2026. He was last seen at an event in November 2025 during his induction at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Since stepping away from Hollywood, Carrey has devoted much of his time to visual art — focusing on painting, drawing, sculpture, and political cartoons. In a 2018 interview, he explained he no longer wanted to be in the business, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the industry and the increasing influence of corporations. Emmanuel Curtil, the actor who serves as Carrey's official French voice, publicly implored him not to abandon the profession during the ceremony — a heartfelt plea that drew thunderous applause and left the room wondering whether Jim Carrey's Paris night might just be the first step back.
