César Awards dismiss Jim Carrey clone rumours, say actor ‘worked on his speech in French for months’

Organisers of the César Awards have pushed back against online conspiracy theories surrounding Jim Carrey’s recent honourary appearance in Paris, calling speculation that he was impersonated at the ceremony a “non-issue.”

Carrey attended the Feb. 26 ceremony to receive an honourary César, becoming the latest international figure to be recognised by the French Academy. In the days following the event, rumours circulated on social media after drag artist Alexis Stone claimed to have portrayed the actor, sharing images of prosthetics and a wig resembling Carrey’s look that evening.

Grégory Caulier, general delegate of the César Awards, rejected the claims in a statement, emphasising that the actor’s participation had been arranged well in advance. “Jim Carrey’s visit has been planned since this summer. From the outset, he was extremely touched by the Academy’s invitation. Eight months of ongoing, constructive discussions. He worked on his speech in French for months, asking me about the exact pronunciation of certain words,” Caulier said.

Jim Carrey delivers a speech after receiving an honourary Cesar award during the 51st Cesar Awards ceremony in Paris
| Photo Credit:
AP

According to Caulier, Carrey traveled to Paris with his partner, daughter, grandson and several close friends and collaborators. Among those present was filmmaker Michel Gondry, who previously worked with Carrey on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

During the ceremony, Carrey delivered much of his acceptance speech in French, tracing his family lineage back to Saint-Malo and honouring his late father. He told the audience that “about 300 years ago, my great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré” was born in France before emigrating to Canada. He also described his father as “the funniest man I have ever known.”

Carrey, known for performances in films such as The Truman Show and The Mask, received multiple tributes throughout the evening, including a musical homage from host Benjamin Lavernhe inspired by his work.

Caulier said he would remember the event for “his generosity, his kindness, his benevolence, his elegance.”