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Jim Carrey surprised the world last night by making a rare public appearance in Paris, accepting an honorary César Award while publicly thanking his girlfriend Min Ah for the first time. The beloved actor, 64, delivered an emotional speech entirely in French at the 51st ceremony. His emotional moment stunned the crowd and trended globally.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event: 51st César Awards held on February 26, 2026 at L’Olympia in Paris, France
- Award: Carrey received Honorary César Award for exceptional versatility in film and television
- Family tribute: Thanked daughter Jane, grandson Jackson, and girlfriend Min Ah in his acceptance speech
- Rare appearance: This marks actor’s first significant public outing of 2026, with limited appearances in recent years
A Rare Hollywood Moment in Paris
Jim Carrey stepped into the spotlight last night at L’Olympia, the iconic Paris venue that became the stage for one of 2026’s most emotional celebrity moments. The actor, who has famously pulled back from public life, walked the red carpet with his family and girlfriend. His presence alone created buzz, as fans have waited years for Carrey to make such public appearances
The César Awards is France’s equivalent to the Oscars, celebrating cinema’s finest achievements. The French Academy had announced Carrey as the honorary honoree back in October 2025, praising his work for its exceptional versatility across decades of roles. This recognition brought Carrey out of semi-retirement for one special night.
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Min Ah and Family in the Spotlight
Min Ah, described by Carrey as his “sublime companion,” attended the ceremony alongside his daughter Jane and his grandson Jackson. During his acceptance speech, Carrey publicly acknowledged his relationship with Min Ah for the first time in his career, creating an intimate moment. He expressed his deep love and gratitude toward her on stage, leaving the French audience deeply moved
Min Ah is an LA-based artist and actress, first photographed with Carrey in 2022 at a charity comedy event. The exact timeline of their relationship remains private, but their public appearance last night confirmed their partnership. His daughter Jane, whom he shares with ex-wife Melissa Womer, beamed with pride as her father accepted his honor.
The Speech That Touched Hearts
Carrey delivered his entire acceptance speech in French, surprising many and moving the audience to tears. He reflected on his French heritage, revealing that his great-great-great-grandfather Marc-François Carrey emigrated from the port city of Saint-Malo to Canada centuries ago. This family history coming full circle in Paris held deep significance for the actor
| Detail | Information |
| Recipient | Jim Carrey, 64 |
| Award Type | Honorary César Award for lifetime achievement |
| Ceremony | 51st César Awards, February 26, 2026 |
| Venue | L’Olympia, Paris, France |
He humorously told the audience that his French was rusty, saying with a smile, “My tongue is tired,” as he joked about his language skills dropping to “mediocre.” The self-deprecating humor matched Carrey’s signature comedic style, and the crowd responded with laughter and applause. His tribute to his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, who taught him about love and laughter, added emotional weight to the night.
“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, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah.”
— Jim Carrey, accepting Honorary César Award in Paris
A Comeback That Signals Change
Carrey has been selective about public appearances for the past five years, focusing on his passion for painting and his spiritual life. In 2022, he famously told interviewers he had enough of acting and enough material wealth. Yet his return to the stage in Paris suggests a shift in perspective. The actor reprised his role as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 2024, proving he wasn’t finished with entertainment
This César honor marks a validation of his entire career. Carrey transformed from the rubber-faced comedian of the 1990s into a dramatic actor, winning critical acclaim for roles in films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Director Michel Gondry was present at the ceremony and recalled their powerful collaboration, visibly moving Carrey as he sat accepting the award. The moment represented healing and recognition for an artist who reinvented himself multiple times.
What Does This Mean for Jim Carrey’s Future?
The question now becomes whether Carrey will use this momentum to engage more with the public and take on new projects. His willingness to travel to Paris, deliver a speech in French, and publicly acknowledge his relationship shows he may be opening up more. Fans around the world celebrated the moment on social media, flooding timelines with clips from his acceptance speech. The ceremony created a resurgence of interest in his entire filmography and legacy
Whether this Paris moment marks the beginning of a Carrey renaissance remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the actor who once seemed to want complete privacy has allowed the world a glimpse into his life, his love, and his heart. Standing ovation from the French film community, a tribute from his peers, and affection from his family surrounding him created an unforgettable evening that transcended typical awards show moments.
Sources
- People.com – Exclusive coverage of Jim Carrey thanking Min Ah at César Awards ceremony
- Deadline Hollywood – Detailed report on Carrey’s rare public appearance and French heritage remarks
- Variety – Coverage of 51st César Awards and Carrey’s emotional French-language acceptance speech
