Jim Carrey and Min Ah at the César Awards in Paris on Feb. 26, 2026.
The spotlight at the César Awards this week belonged to Jim Carrey, but the veteran actor made sure the evening felt deeply personal. As he stepped onto the stage in Paris to accept an honorary prize, he turned what could have been a routine tribute into an emotional declaration of gratitude, delivered entirely in French.
The 64-year-old star attended France’s most prestigious film ceremony at the iconic L'Olympia, accompanied by his daughter Jane, her teenage son Jackson, and his companion Min Ah. While the award celebrated decades of unforgettable performances, Carrey’s speech focused on something more intimate — family, love, and the lessons that shaped him.
A French Speech Filled With Love
Accepting the Honorary César at the 51st edition of the César Awards, Carrey surprised the audience by speaking in French from start to finish. Though he later joked about his pronunciation, the sincerity in his voice resonated throughout the auditorium.
He began by thanking his daughter Jane and grandson Jackson, telling them he loved them “now and forever.” The crowd responded warmly, applauding as his family stood proudly nearby. He then turned his attention to Min Ah, referring to her as his “sublime companion” and expressing his love for her before a visibly moved audience.
Carrey concluded his tribute by honoring his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, whom he described as the funniest man he had ever known. He credited his father for teaching him the value of generosity, laughter, and love — qualities that have defined both his career and public persona.
A Rare Glimpse Into His Private Life
While Jim Carrey has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, he has kept his personal relationships relatively low-key in recent years. Details about his relationship with Min Ah remain largely private, though she was previously identified as a Los Angeles-based actress and artist after being photographed with him in 2022.
By including her so prominently in his speech, Carrey offered a rare public acknowledgment of their bond. The moment added a fresh chapter to a life often defined by comedic brilliance and dramatic transformation.
His daughter Jane, whom he shares with ex-wife Melissa Womer, has occasionally appeared alongside him at public events, but such multigenerational appearances remain uncommon. Their presence in Paris underscored the significance of the evening.
A Career Celebrated for Versatility
The French Academy announced Jim Carrey as this year’s Honorary César recipient in October 2025, praising his “exceptional versatility” across film and television. From elastic-faced comedy to darker, introspective roles, his career has spanned genres with unusual ease.
Most recently, he appeared as the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, reprising the role across multiple installments released between 2020 and 2024. His performance introduced him to a new generation of fans, even as longtime admirers continued to celebrate classics from earlier decades.
Yet Carrey has also spoken candidly about stepping back from acting. During promotional interviews in 2022, he suggested he felt content with what he had achieved, expressing a desire for a quieter life centered on painting and spiritual growth.
Humor Until the End
Even on a night of profound reflection, Carrey’s signature humor never strayed far. After completing his French-language speech, he asked the audience how it sounded, playfully suggesting it might have been “almost mediocre.” He laughed about his tired tongue, reminding everyone that he was still learning the language.
The lighthearted remark provided a fitting close to an evening that balanced celebration with humility. In honoring Jim Carrey, the César Awards recognized more than a performer; they acknowledged an artist who has continually reinvented himself while remaining grounded in gratitude.
As the applause echoed through L’Olympia, it was clear that the night belonged not just to a comedy legend, but to a man reflecting thoughtfully on love, legacy, and the people who shaped his journey.
