It is one of the highest honors that the world's oldest film festival has to bestow, and this year it goes to an old friend of the lagoon city: George Clooney (65) will be honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. This was announced by the Biennale di Venezia on Monday. The directorate made the decision based on a recommendation by Festival Director Alberto Barbera.
Clooney himself accepted the honor with his trademark dry humor. "I've had so many extraordinary moments in Venice. This festival is without question my favorite festival, and receiving the Golden Lion is an enormous honor. It probably also means I'm old - but I'll take it", the actor was quoted as saying in a festival statement.
A Long History with the Lagoon City
The choice comes as no surprise. Hardly any Hollywood star is as closely connected to Venice as Clooney. He made his first appearance at the Lido back in 1998 with "Out of Sight", nearly three decades ago. Most recently, last year his Netflix film "Jay Kelly" celebrated its premiere here, and in 2024 he walked the red carpet alongside Brad Pitt (62) for the world premiere of "Wolfs".
As a director, the two-time Oscar winner is also a regular fixture: works such as "Suburbicon", "The Ides of March", and "Good Night, and Good Luck" were all presented in Venice. Add to that appearances with the opening film "Gravity" in 2013, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" in 2009, "Burn After Reading" in 2008, "Michael Clayton" in 2007, and "Intolerable Cruelty" in 2003. And Venice also holds special significance for him personally: in 2014, he married his wife Amal here in a glamorous ceremony.
Tribute from Festival Director Barbera
Festival Director Alberto Barbera had high praise for the award recipient. In his triple role as actor, director, and producer, Clooney is a "complete and charismatic artist" who has transformed a deep calling into "one of the brightest trajectories in contemporary cinema". His appeal is based on credibility, not mere image.
Barbera also praised Clooney's versatility across genres - from war films to thrillers to comedy - as well as his social and humanitarian commitment, which makes him an outstanding figure in show business.
