Entertainment

George Clooney reflects on career and activism during Venice Film Festival masterclass

The filmmaker discussed human rights work, political commentary, and his path in Hollywood after receiving a lifetime honor.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 18:02 UTC2 reports

The short version

George Clooney received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
During a festival masterclass, Clooney commended his wife Amal Clooney's legal work and highlighted their foundation's efforts in freeing imprisoned journalists.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
He addressed political reactions to his commentary, including criticism over an op-ed on Joe Biden and online messages from the U.S. president.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Clooney offered an aspiring filmmaker in the audience a chance to work on his upcoming production in Italy.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]

George Clooney received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Clooney praised his wife Amal Clooney as a badass for bringing perpetrators to trial.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Clooney said the Clooney Foundation has assisted in freeing 100 imprisoned journalists.[Variety]
Clooney noted receiving mean tweets from the U.S. president and facing backlash over an op-ed he wrote regarding Joe Biden.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Clooney offered an aspiring filmmaker in the audience an opportunity to work on a production set to shoot in Italy.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Clooney stated that he mortgaged his house to fund the 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck.[Variety]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.