The César Academy has moved to dispel speculation that Jim Carrey was replaced by an impersonator at last week’s awards ceremony in Paris, where the actor received an honorary award. Gregory Caulier, general delegate of the Césars, issued a statement Monday asserting that the controversy is a “non-issue,” citing months of planning and Carrey’s dedication to the event.
The debate began after Carrey’s appearance at the February 26th ceremony sparked online commentary regarding perceived changes in his facial features. Drag artist Alexis Stone fueled the speculation by posting images on Instagram of prosthetic makeup resembling Carrey’s look that night, suggesting they had been used in place of the actor. Actress Megan Fox publicly expressed her concern, posting on Instagram, “i can’t handle any more stress right now i need to know if this is real.”
Caulier’s statement, sent to Variety, detailed the extensive preparation involved in Carrey’s participation. “From the outset, he was extremely touched by the Academy’s invitation,” Caulier wrote. “Eight months of ongoing, constructive discussions. He worked on his speech in French for months, asking me about the exact pronunciation of certain words.”
According to the statement, Carrey was accompanied by a large entourage, including his partner, daughter, grandson, publicist, and twelve “close friends and family members.” His longtime collaborator, director Michel Gondry, was too present. Caulier emphasized Carrey’s “generosity, his kindness, his benevolence, his elegance” throughout the process.
During the ceremony, Carrey delivered an emotional speech in French, acknowledging the legacy of French cinema and tracing his ancestry to St Malo, France, stating his great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, emigrated to Canada three centuries ago.
The appearance comes after Carrey previously suggested a move away from acting. In 2022, he told Deadline he was “probably” retiring, expressing contentment with his quiet life and artistic pursuits. Though, he later agreed to reprise his role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, stating, “I need the money, frankly.” He described receiving the script for the sequel written in 24-carat ink.
In December 2024, Carrey clarified his position, describing a plan to “power rest” rather than fully retire. The César Academy has not responded to further requests for comment regarding the impersonation claims.
