Jim Carrey's 'unrecognisable' appearance defended after rare outing sparks sad reaction

Hollywood legend Jim Carrey has delighted fans after making an appearance at an awards ceremony in the City of Love earlier this week.

The 64-year-old The Mask actor rocked up to the 51st edition of the Cesar Film Awards ceremony in Paris on Thursday (26 February), with the event marking his first public appearance since November of last year.

Carrey could be seen donning a hairstyle noticeably longer than what many fans are used to, but he was still rocking his signature hair part.

It seems quite a few fans reckoned Carrey looked 'unrecognisable', but the star has since been defended as people flocked to social media to gush over how 'happy' he looked.

"[He looks] unrecognisable," penned one X user while another claimed: "You can't even recognise him anymore."

A third questioned: "Why does he look like an old version of his younger self, but not just regular old him, Carrey? I can’t explain it."

"Is that actually him?" echoed a fourth while a fifth declared: "I don’t know what it is, but he looks different."

Others, were far less bothered about his apparent appearance change with a sixth beaming: "Good to see him all smiles!"

"We love to see Jim this happy and at peace," gushed another.

And a final X user praised: "He's looking good."

During yesterday's awards ceremony, Canadian-American actor Carrey received a special honour, a Cesar d'honneur, in recognition of his acting career.

He accepted the tribute with a speech delivered in French with a thick American accent.

"As an actor, each character you play is like clay in the sculptor’s hands, which you shape to your heart’s desire. How fortunate I have been to share this art with so many people who have truly opened their hearts to me," the award-winning actor began.

Carrey then revealed that 'about 300 years ago, (his) great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather, Marc-François Carré, yes, Carré, was born in France, in Saint Malo' before emigrating to Canada.

"Tonight, with this magnificent honour, this square (carré in French) has come full circle," he said.

Carrey attended the awards ceremony with his daughter Jane, grandson Jackson and girlfriend Mina.

"Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson. I love you now and forever. Thank you to my sublime companion, Mina. I love you, Mina. And finally, thank you to the funniest man I have ever known: my father. Percy Joseph Carrey, who taught me the value of love, generosity, and laughter," he rounded off.

After finishing up his speech, he jokingly asked the audience: "So, how was my French? Almost mediocre, right? Forgive me, I didn’t speak French, but I’m just learning it. My tongue is tired."

Tyla has reached out to Jim Carrey's representatives for comment.