Overview
- The Biennale di Venezia’s board formally approved the Leone d'oro alla carriera for George Clooney, a decision widely reported after the festival leadership announced the selection.
- The award will be presented at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on the Lido, which runs from 2 to 12 September 2026.
- Artistic Director Alberto Barbera proposed the honour and described Clooney as a ‘complete and charismatic’ artist whose directing, acting and producing work reflects social commitment.
- Clooney accepted the distinction and said he has had ‘many extraordinary moments in Venice’ and called the Golden Lion ‘an immense honour’ while joking that it showed he was getting older.
- The prize caps a near‑30‑year relationship with Venice that began in 1998 and adds to Clooney’s established record of awards, including two Oscars, and his public profile as a humanitarian and political voice.