Jim Carrey: jim carrey Delivers Emotional French Speech at César Awards
jim carrey received this year’s honorary award at the 51st edition of France’s César Awards and moved the audience with an emotional speech delivered in French. He brought the crème de la crème of French cinema to their feet and used the moment to trace a family connection and thank those close to him.
Jim Carrey Delivers Speech
Carrey, the star of “The Mask” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, ” was presented with the honorary award that is traditionally given to an international star, such as last year’s Julia Roberts. He delivered an emotional speech entirely in French, speaking with a thick American accent as he addressed the assembled crowd.
Introduced by Michel Gondry
He was introduced on stage by Michel Gondry, who directed him in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” 22 years ago. After the introduction, Carrey spoke in French and offered a reflection on acting and his good fortune to share the craft with others: "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. " The line was delivered in French with a noticeable American accent.
Ancestry tied to Saint Malo
In the speech Carrey revealed a family history detail he said stretches back "about 300 years ago, " when his "great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, yes, Carré, was born in France, in Saint Malo" and later emigrated to Canada. He framed the evening’s honor as a homecoming, saying, "Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle. "
Family and companions in attendance
The actor attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson and his girlfriend, named in the speech as Mina. In his remarks he addressed his 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. " The event was also the subject of headlines that used the name Min Ah and described a first public appearance as a couple; the speech itself used the name Mina.
Tribute to his father and closing lines
Carrey closed by paying tribute to his father, naming him and his influence: "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 address he asked 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. " That final line—"My tongue is tired"—served as a lighthearted cap to an otherwise emotional presentation.
jim carrey’s appearance at the 51st César Awards combined personal history, family thanks and a performance in a new language, drawing sustained applause from the French film community and closing with a blend of warmth and humor.
