Jim Carrey was at the pinnacle of French cinema at the 51st annual French César Awards, accepting this year’s honorary award and delivering a moving speech entirely in French.
Carrey, who starred in “The Mask” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” won the award, which is traditionally given to international stars, including Julia Roberts last year.
Michel Gondry, who directed “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” 22 years ago, introduced him on stage. “As an actor, each character you play is like clay in a sculptor’s hands, molding it into whatever your heart desires,” Carey said in French with a thick American accent. “I’m so lucky to be able to share this art with so many people who have opened their hearts to me.” “About 300 years ago,[his]great, great, great, great grandfather, Marc-François Carré, was born in Saint-Malo, France,” and immigrated to Canada. The actor, who attended the event with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson and girlfriend Mina, said: “Tonight, this square (caré in French) has come full circle with this great honor.”
“Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and always will. Thank you to my noble companion Mina. Mina, I love you. And finally, thank you to the funniest man I have ever known, my father: Percy Joseph Carey, who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter.”
At the end of his speech, he asked the audience, “So how was my French? Almost mediocre, right? Forgive me, I don’t speak French, but I’m just learning. My tongue is tired.”
Watch the video below.
