Jim Carrey to Be Feted with Honorary Cesar Award at 51st Edition

Jim Carrey is set to receive an honorary tribute at the 51st edition of the Cesar Awards, France’s equivalent to the Oscars. 

Described by the French Academy as “one of the most original voices in modern cinema,” the 63-year-old comedy legend will be awarded the Honorary César Award, which pays tribute to the career achievements of artists and filmmakers, on February 27 in Paris.

Previous recipients include Julia Roberts, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, Cate Blanchett, Penelope Cruz, Robert Redford and George Clooney.

Carrey was previously awarded France’s prestigious medal of the National Order of Arts and Letters in 2010 by French Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand for his significant contributions to art and film.

Born in Canada, Carrey first made a name for himself on the stand-up comedy scene and then on television, notably in In “Living Color,” before breaking out on the big screen in 1994 with “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.”

“In these films, he creates exuberant, unrestrained and unforgettable characters that have become a core part of popular culture,” said the Academy.

Carrey then turned to dramatic roles in "The Truman Show,"" Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and “Man on the Moon” which earned him two Golden Globe awards for best actor.

“His career is marked by exceptional versatility: in film, he alternates between blockbusters and auteur cinema; on television, his moving and sensitive performance in the Showtime series Kidding once again confirmed the breadth of his talent,” added the Academy.

A visual artist who held several exhibitions and penned magazine features, Carrey also wrote “Memoirs and Misinformation,” a New York Times bestseller. He was the subject of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond.”

The ceremony will take place at the Olympia Theater and will be broadcast on Canal+, a partner of the Cesar Awards.