Jim Carrey shows disappointment in his “mediocre” French while receiving a César Award honor. Carrey was the special international recipient of this year’s honorary award at the 51st edition of France’s César Awards. He delivered his speech entirely in French and apologized to the attendees for his unpolished French-speaking skills. Interestingly, Julia Roberts was the recipient of the same award last year.
Jim Carrey taunts his French skills in the Cesar award speech
Jim Carrey apologizes for his poor French during his César Awards speech. The Dumb and Dumber star attended the prestigious awards ceremony with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson, and girlfriend Mina. Director Michel Gondry, who directed Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, introduced him on stage.
The 64-year-old star delivered a speech in French laden with a thick North American accent. Carrey shared, “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” (via Variety).
The Truman Show star confessed that about 300 years ago, his ancestor, Marc-François Carré, was born in France, in Saint-Malo, and then moved to Canada. Notably, Carrey was born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He chimed in, “Tonight, with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle.”
Carrey expressed his gratitude to his family. The 64-year-old star said, “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 reserved a special thank you for his father, Percy Joseph Carrey, “who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter.”
True to his trademark wit and humor, he had a hilarious take on his amateur French-speaking skills. While apologizing to the audience, Carrey remarked, “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.”
Originally written by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
