Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey YT/ Canal TV

The organisers of France's César Awards have dismissed viral conspiracy theories claiming a body double stood in for Jim Carrey at last week's ceremony, confirming the actor spent months preparing his appearance and delivered his acceptance speech in French after eight months of planning with the academy.

Grégory Caulier, general delegate of the César Awards, called the rumours a 'non-issue' in an exclusive statement to Variety on Monday. His publicist Marleah Leslie separately confirmed the actor's attendance.

'Jim Carrey attended the César Awards, where he accepted his Honorary César Award,' she said in a statement, the Washington Times reported.

Carrey, 64, collected the honorary César at the 51st César Film Awards at L'Olympia in Paris on 26 February, succeeding Julia Roberts as the ceremony's lifetime achievement honouree. The Canadian-American star delivered a tearful acceptance speech entirely in French.

Conspiracy Theories Spiral After Alexis Stone Instagram Post

The trouble started when some viewers claimed Carrey looked 'unrecognisable' during footage from the ceremony. Social media filled with speculation about cosmetic surgery, a body double, or outright replacement theories.

British makeup artist and drag performer Alexis Stone, whose real name is Elliot Joseph Rentz, pushed things further on 1 March. He posted photos on Instagram captioned 'Alexis Stone as Jim Carrey in Paris' alongside images of a prosthetic mask, dentures and a wig resembling the actor's look that evening. Celebrities joined the frenzy. Megan Fox commented that she 'can't handle any more stress right now' and needed to know if it was real, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Stone is known for elaborate celebrity transformations. But the final slide of his Carrey post featured what multiple commenters identified as an AI-generated image of the prosthetics kit with a blurry Eiffel Tower in the background. He has not released the behind-the-scenes transformation video he typically publishes after such projects.

César Academy Details Eight Months of Preparation

Caulier's statement to Variety laid out the extensive timeline behind the appearance. 'Jim Carrey's visit has been planned since this summer,' he said. 'From the outset, he was extremely touched by the Academy's invitation. Eight months of ongoing, constructive discussions.'

The actor worked on his French speech for months, asking Caulier about the pronunciation of specific words. On stage, Carrey traced his family roots to France, revealing that his ancestor Marc-François Carré was born in Saint-Malo before emigrating to Canada roughly 300 years ago. He paid tribute to his father Percy Joseph Carrey, calling him 'the funniest man I have ever known.'

Carrey attended with his partner Min Ah, daughter Jane Carrey, grandson Jackson, and 12 close friends and family members. His longtime publicist was there. So was filmmaker Michel Gondry, who directed Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and two television series, Variety noted.

Caulier said the pair 'were delighted to see each other again.'

'For me, it's a non-issue,' Caulier added. 'I just remember his generosity, his kindness, his benevolence, his elegance.'

Prosthetics Expert Rules Out Mask

Prosthetics specialist David Malinowski attested that there was no evidence of a disguise. 'He is absolutely not wearing a mask,' Malinowski said. 'In my expert, professional opinion, that's 100 per cent Jim Carrey.'

Throughout the ceremony, Carrey performed his trademark exaggerated facial expressions. Host Benjamin Lavernhe spoofed The Mask during the show, putting on a musical number dressed in the character's iconic yellow suit. The crowd at L'Olympia gave Carrey a standing ovation.

Carrey's last film role was Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 2024. His previous public appearance was in November 2025 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, according to NBC's Today. He is not active on social media and has not personally addressed the conspiracy theories.

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