George Clooney will receive an Honorary Golden Lion at the upcoming Venice Film Festival. The award will be presented to him during the 83rd edition of the festival, held from September 2nd to 12th, 2026, on the Lido. This distinction recognizes the lifetime achievements of the American actor, director, and producer, who is now 65 years old. The decision was approved by the Venice Biennale's board of directors, on the recommendation of Alberto Barbera, the festival's artistic director. Clooney thus joins the list of figures honored with one of the most prestigious awards in European cinema, distinct from the Golden Lion awarded to the best film in competition.
"A huge honor" for Clooney
George Clooney responded by recalling his special connection to Venice. He mentioned his "extraordinary moments" experienced firsthand and described the festival as " favorite "Receiving this Gold Lion of Honor represents for him "A tremendous honor"The actor also slipped in a touch of self-deprecation, acknowledging that this distinction probably meant he was getting older.
This connection with Venice is long-standing. Clooney has presented several major films there since the late 1990s. His first significant appearance at the festival dates back to 1998 with Out of SightHe then returned to the country as a director with Good Night, and Good Luck, presented in 2005, then with The Ides of March et Suburbicon.
A career spanning art-house cinema and Hollywood productions
The Venice Film Festival is rewarding his trajectory in Hollywood: that of an actor who became a global star, then an established director and producer. George Clooney made his mark in the 1990s with the series ER, before building a very extensive filmography in cinema.
His career has taken him through thrillers such as Michael Claytoncomedies like Ocean's Eleven et O Brother, Where Art Thou?science fiction films like Gravity et Solaris, or even more political works such as Syriana et Good Night, and Good LuckHe won two Oscars during his career.
Venice, a central festival in his journey
George Clooney's relationship with the Venice Film Festival goes beyond this award. The actor has regularly graced the Venetian red carpet, notably for Gravity brand in 2013 wolves in 2024 alongside Brad Pitt, then Jay Kelly in 2025. In this latest film, he plays a movie star facing an existential crisis before receiving a lifetime achievement award at an Italian film festival. Venice also holds a personal place in his life. It was in the Italian city that he married Amal Alamuddin in 2014, in a highly publicized ceremony.
An award before the selection announcement
The Honorary Golden Lion will be awarded during an edition whose full program is to be announced later in July. The 83rd Venice Film Festival will open on September 2 and close on September 12, 2026. George Clooney will be there this time not only to promote a film, but to receive one of the most symbolic tributes of his career.
