On February 28, 2025, Julia Roberts was honored with the prestigious César d'honneur during the 50th annual César Awards held at the Olympia in Paris. The celebrated actress, best known for her iconic roles in films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, received the accolade for her outstanding contributions to cinema over the years. The ceremony was particularly special, marked by the palpable admiration of the audience, and it gave Roberts the opportunity to express her heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported her.
Clive Owen, Roberts' co-star from films like Closer and Duplicity, presented the honorary award to her, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience. With her signature beaming smile, Roberts took the stage and acknowledged Owen, humorously asking the crowd to calm down before she began her speech. "Thank you, thank you," she stated as she looked out over the audience. It was clear from her demeanor how much the moment meant to her.
She confessed, "I don’t have any prepared speech... Every brilliant thought I had left my mind." Nevertheless, Roberts made it clear who was foremost on her mind, saying, "Catherine Deneuve, thank you for being born one day and making the film industry a much more beautiful world," showing her respect for the cinema legends who have paved the way for actors like herself.
Before concluding her remarks, Roberts took the time to express her appreciation for her family, particularly her husband. With warmth and laughter, she said, "I am grateful for the individuals who have allowed me to live this dream, and among the people I owe the most to, there’s my absolutely remarkable husband. You know, I don’t have words to describe my husband because we’ve just met,” she quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Julia Roberts' love story began on the set of the film The Mexican back in 2000, where she met Danny Moder, the film's director of photography. They faced the complication of being involved with other partners at the time; Roberts was dating actor Benjamin Bratt, and Moder was married to Vera Steimberg. After working through their respective relationships, they found their way to each other and married on July 4, 2002, at Roberts' home ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
The couple has since welcomed three children together: twins Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus Walter, born on November 28, 2004, and their youngest son, Henry Daniel, born on June 18, 2007. Roberts has expressed her pride and joy about her children and emphasized the importance of keeping their family life private and low-key. "We try to protect our children; we want simply to have our family life and not let it disrupt our lives," she said, confirming their commitment to raising their kids away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood.
Young adults now, Hazel and Phinnaeus are currently attending university, an experience Roberts admires deeply. She revealed, "I didn’t get the chance to experience college. Watching them navigate this stage is fascinating... I'm excited for them.” These insights reflect Roberts' investment not only as an actress but also as a devoted mother who prioritizes her children's well-being and happiness.
Throughout her relationship with Moder, Roberts has balanced her career and the demands of motherhood. She elaborated on her parenting approach during interviews, “I try to be very present and not to plan everything. And I love being home, I love being a mom.” Her dedication to her family is evident through her actions and beliefs about raising her children with love and boundaries.
Roberts says maintaining the spark with Moder has been integral to their enduring marriage. "I always say the same thing and I stick to it. You need to kiss. A lot of kissing," she shared, illustrating the importance of affection and connection within their relationship. She believes they’ve built a life filled with joy and harmony for their family. "Daniel is easy to love; he’s funny, and I’m always glad to see him. Raising our children together adds to the pleasure of being together. Honestly, I haven’t seen the time pass,” Roberts shared.
This recent César Award acknowledgment has not only celebrated her professional achievements but also highlighted the fulfillment she's found within her personal life, particularly with Moder by her side. Their marriage and family reflect the stability and joy Roberts cherishes immensely. With her career at great heights and her family thriving, Julia Roberts continues to embody the essence of both professional and personal success, leaving behind what seems to be the perfect blend of love, laughter, and cinema.