Clooney to receive Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion

Veteran actor George Clooney will be honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the upcoming Venice Film Festival. The 65-year-old American star will receive the award in September in recognition of his extensive career in film.

Clooney, known for his roles in "ER," "Ocean's Eleven," and "Syriana," for which he won an Oscar, expressed his delight. "I've had so many extraordinary moments in Venice. This festival is without question my favorite, and to be given the Golden Lion is a tremendous honor. It also probably means I'm old, but I'll take it," he said in a statement.

The 83rd Venice Film Festival, widely regarded as the second most prestigious after Cannes, is scheduled to take place from September 2 to 12. Clooney has a history with the festival, having presented films there previously, though he had to cancel a press conference in 2025 due to illness.

Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera praised Clooney's multifaceted talent as an actor, director, and producer. Barbera noted Clooney's ability to make characters "credible, desirable, approachable, and human" through his "undeniable charm." He added that Clooney's charisma is built on credibility rather than mere image, highlighting that his appeal is never solely aesthetic.

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I've had so many extraordinary moments in Venice. This festival is without question my favorite, and to be given the Golden Lion is a tremendous honor. It also probably means I'm old, but I'll take it.