Jim Carrey, the celebrated actor known for his roles in "The Mask" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," was recently honored at the 51st Cesar Awards in France. He delivered a heartfelt speech entirely in French, captivating the audience and establishing a profound personal connection to the country.
Carrey's appearance at the prestigious French cinema event, where he received the honorary award traditionally bestowed upon international luminaries, was a highlight. His speech, delivered with a noticeable American accent, resonated deeply with attendees, who warmly received his efforts to communicate in their native tongue.
During his address, Carrey spoke of the actor's craft, likening each character portrayal to clay molded by a sculptor's hands, expressing immense gratitude for the openness with which audiences had embraced his art. He revealed a surprising ancestral link to France, tracing his lineage back "about 300 years ago" to his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, who was born in Saint Malo, France, before immigrating to Canada. Carrey playfully remarked that with this "magnificent honor," his family's "square" (carré in French) had truly come full circle.
The esteemed actor also took the opportunity to thank his loved ones present at the ceremony: his daughter Jane, his grandson Jackson, and his partner Mina, expressing his enduring affection for them. He concluded by honoring his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, crediting him with instilling the profound values of love, generosity, and humor that shaped his life and career.
Towards the end of his address, Carrey humorously questioned his French pronunciation, 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." This lighthearted moment further endeared him to the French audience, highlighting his genuine effort and humility.
Jim Carrey's emotional and personal acceptance speech at the Cesar Awards provided a memorable evening, bridging cultural divides through sincerity and humor, and underscoring the universal language of art and family.