Master of ceremonies at the 51st César ceremony, Benjamin Lavernhe opened the evening with a sketch that was both hilarious and moving. Facing Jim Carrey, the guest of honor, the French actor expressed his admiration before captivating the audience with a cult sequence.
On Thursday, February 26, at the Olympia, Benjamin Lavernhe paid a very personal tribute to Jim Carrey at the opening of the 51st César ceremony, where Carrey was set to receive an honorary César for his career. The actual mask from the movie “The Mask,” usually kept at the Cinema & Miniature Museum in Lyon, was exceptionally brought on stage for this occasion. Lavernhe referred to it as “a little madeleine de Proust” that represents fantasy and dreams before immersing the audience in the magic of the film by recreating some iconic scenes.
Behind the humor and virtuosity, emotions were also present. Lavernhe’s voice broke when he directly addressed Jim Carrey, recalling a childhood memory of watching “The Mask” in Poitiers, and praising Carrey’s immense talent that still influences him years later. Overwhelmed by emotion, Lavernhe paused briefly before lightening the mood with a humorous remark, which prompted a standing ovation from the audience in tribute to Carrey.
Later in the evening, when Jim Carrey received his honorary César, he took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of the master of ceremonies, calling Benjamin Lavernhe “formidable.” A heartfelt compliment coming from a cinema legend.
The evening concluded with a high-energy finale where Benjamin Lavernhe, wearing the mask, transformed into a true-to-life Jim Carrey. With playful jabs at the evening’s nominees, energetic dance moves, and an electrifying monologue, Lavernhe’s performance at Olympia was met with laughter and applause. It was a suspended moment that balanced genuine homage with pure entertainment, making it one of the highlights of the 51st César ceremony.
