Jim Carrey Thanks His 'Sublime Companion' Mina as He Accepts Honor at France's César Awards

jim carrey received this year’s honorary award at the 51st edition of France’s César Awards, delivering an emotional speech entirely in French that drew a standing ovation from the creme de la creme of French cinema and included thanks to his family and his "sublime companion, " Mina.

Honor and standing ovation at the 51st César Awards

The actor was recognized with the honorary award traditionally given to an international star, a prize that has previously gone to figures such as last year’s Julia Roberts. The presentation prompted the assembled French film community to give him a warm, on-their-feet reception.

Jim Carrey's French-language tribute and introduction

Carrey delivered his remarks entirely in French, speaking with a thick American accent. He was introduced on stage by Michel Gondry, who directed him in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" 22 years ago. In his French remarks, Carrey framed the actor’s craft as sculptural, likening each character to clay shaped by the performer’s heart, and expressed gratitude for having shared his art with many people who opened their hearts to him.

Family, Mina and the 'sublime companion' acknowledgment

The actor attended the ceremony with his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson and his girlfriend Mina. In his speech he thanked his "wonderful family, " named his daughter Jane and his grandson Jackson, and offered a direct, affectionate address to Mina: "Thank you to my sublime companion, Mina. I love you, Mina. " He concluded that segment by acknowledging his father, Percy Joseph Carrey, crediting him with teaching the value of love, generosity and laughter.

A personal French connection: Marc-François Carré and Saint Malo

Carrey revealed a personal ancestral link to France, saying that about 300 years ago his great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, was born in France, in Saint Malo, and later emigrated to Canada. He framed the night’s honor as a symbolic return, saying that with this award the square—carré in French—had come full circle.

Endnote: a self-deprecating sign-off — 'My tongue is tired'

As the speech wound down, Carrey opened a lighter moment with a self-assessment of his French. He asked the audience how his French had been and characterized it as "almost mediocre, " explaining that he is learning the language and quipping that his tongue is tired. The mix of earnest sentiment and playful humility underscored the emotional tone of the evening.

Carrey’s blend of personal history, familial thanks and earnest effort to speak in French made the honorary award acceptance both intimate and celebratory, closing a night that honored international achievement in cinema.