George Clooney receives a lifetime achievement award in Venice.Image: keystone
People News
July 6, 2026, 1:23 p.mJuly 6, 2026, 1:23 p.m
US actor George Clooney will receive a Golden Lion for his life’s work at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
The 65-year-old said the award was a “tremendous honor” for him. He experienced so many extraordinary moments in Venice. “This festival is without a doubt my favorite festival.” Venice is, next to Cannes, the world’s most important film festival. This year it takes place from September 2nd to 12th.
Clooney has been one of the most famous Hollywood stars for decades. He became internationally known with the hospital series “Emergency Room – The Emergency Room (ER)”. His most successful films include “Ocean’s Eleven”, “Syriana”, for which he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2006, “Michael Clayton”, “Up in the Air”, “The Descendants” and “Gravity”.
Last year he presented the film “Jay Kelly” (director: Noah Baumbach) in Venice, but fell ill during the festival and had to cancel his participation in the press conference for the film.
Film festival director Alberto Barbera praised Clooney as a “versatile and charismatic artist” in his triple role as actor, director and producer. Barbera continued: “He has the ability to make his characters appear not only believable, but also attractive, approachable and human.” He emphasized Clooney’s “undeniable charm.” But his attraction was never just external, says Barbera. (maw/sda/dpa)