Jim Carrey Delivers Emotional Speech in French — jim carrey Says 'My Tongue Is Tired' at the 51st César Awards
jim carrey received this year’s honorary César Award at the 51st edition of France’s César Awards and delivered an emotional speech entirely in French, drawing the assembled French cinema luminaries to their feet. The moment underscored the evening’s decision to honor an international star and resonated partly because of how openly he thanked family and traced his roots.
Michel Gondry introduced the honoree and linked back to Eternal Sunshine
Carrey was introduced onstage by Michel Gondry, who directed him in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 22 years ago. The presentation framed the award, which is traditionally given to an international star — last year’s honoree was Julia Roberts — and set the tone for the actor’s remarks as the crème de la crème of French cinema rose in applause.
A speech in French, delivered with a thick American accent
Speaking entirely in French and described as having a thick American accent, jim carrey told the audience: “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. ” That passage came amid a standing reaction from the crowd and framed the emotional thrust of his remarks.
He credited an ancestor from Saint Malo and said the honor closed a circle
During the speech, Carrey said 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 linked that family history to the night’s recognition, telling attendees: “Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle. ”
Family in the room and warm personal thank-yous
Carrey attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson and his girlfriend Mina. Onstage he offered extended thanks: “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. ” He also thanked his father by name, saying: “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. ”
Closing line asked the audience to judge his French: 'My tongue is tired'
As he finished, Carrey turned the moment light, 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. ” The line closed an emotional, bilingual acceptance that paired personal history with gratitude and humility.
