Jim Carrey, famed for his role in “The Truman Show,” recently made a rare public appearance at the 51st César Awards in Paris, where he was honored with an Honorary César Award. This emotional evening saw Carrey get a bit teary-eyed as director Michel Gondry reminisced about their collaboration on “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” The actor was visibly moved when Emmanuel Curtil, his French voice actor, implored him not to step away from the profession.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech delivered in a charmingly accented French, Carrey reflected on his ancestry, sharing that his great-great-great-grandfather, Marc-François Carrey, emigrated from the French port city of Saint Malo to Canada. He humorously remarked on the full-circle nature of receiving the award, stating, “About three hundred years ago, my great-great-great-great-grandfather… left Saint-Malo in France for Canada. Tonight, with this magnificent honor, this ‘square’ has come full circle.” He expressed gratitude towards his father, noting the lessons of love and laughter he imparted, and concluded with a humorous nod to his French speaking skills.
Carrey’s accolade places him alongside a prestigious group of past César honorees, including Julia Roberts, Christopher Nolan, and George Clooney. While his prolific film career took off in the 1990s with hits like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber,” Carrey has notably reduced his acting commitments in recent years and has ventured into painting.
Though he hinted at retirement in 2022, Carrey later indicated his intention to return to the screen, exciting fans with prospects of reprising his beloved role of Dr. Robotnik in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” set for release in 2024. This moment at the César Awards serves as a reminder of Carrey’s lasting impact on cinema and his enduring connection to his roots, leaving fans hopeful for more from this talented star.