George Clooney lands Venice's highest honour as festival celebrates his remarkable screen career

The award celebrates the Oscar winner's work as an actor, director and producer ahead of this year's festival edition

George Clooney is set to add another major honour to his celebrated career after being named the recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2026 Venice Film Festival.

Festival organisers announced on July 6 that the Hollywood star, filmmaker and producer will receive the prestigious award during the 83rd edition of the event, which takes place from September 2 to September 12. The recognition celebrates Clooney's decades of contributions to cinema, both in front of and behind the camera.

The 65 year old has shared a long history with the Venice Film Festival, making his first appearance there in 1998 with Out of Sight. Since then, he has returned to the festival numerous times with films as an actor, director and producer, cementing his place as one of the event's most familiar and respected figures.

Among the projects he has brought to Venice are Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, The Men Who Stare at Goats, Gravity, The Ides of March, Suburbicon and Good Night, and Good Luck. More recently, his film Jay Kelly premiered at the festival in 2025, while he also attended the 2024 premiere of Wolfs alongside longtime collaborator Brad Pitt.

Reacting to the honour, Clooney expressed both gratitude and humour in a statement released by the festival.

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

Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera praised Clooney's impact on modern cinema, describing him as a complete artist whose career extends far beyond acting.

Barbera said Clooney had distinguished himself as an actor, director and producer while combining artistic ambition with charisma throughout a career that has influenced contemporary filmmaking. The festival believes his body of work represents one of the brightest achievements in modern international cinema.

Clooney first became a household name through the medical drama ER during the 1990s before successfully making the transition to the big screen. He went on to star in acclaimed films including Ocean's Eleven, Syriana, Up in the Air, The Descendants and O Brother, Where Art Thou?

His work behind the camera has also earned widespread recognition. As a director, he has tackled political dramas, historical stories and true life subjects, while as a producer he has helped bring a range of critically acclaimed projects to audiences worldwide.

Away from filmmaking, Venice also holds personal significance for Clooney. In 2014, he married human rights lawyer Amal Clooney during a high profile wedding celebration in the Italian city, making it an important location in both his professional and personal life.

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is among the Venice Film Festival's highest honours and has previously been awarded to some of the most influential names in world cinema. Clooney now joins that distinguished list as the festival prepares to celebrate another milestone in a career that has spanned television, blockbuster entertainment and award winning filmmaking.

The full programme for the 2026 Venice Film Festival is expected to be announced later in July, with Clooney's honour likely to be one of the standout moments of this year's event.