George Clooney is receiving one of the most significant recognitions in his career. The American actor will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious festivals in the world. His reaction was as expected: grateful and funny.
© Getty ImagesIn a statement shared by the festival, Clooney shared how honored he was to be selected for the prize. "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," he said.
"It also probably means I'm old, but I'll take it."
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesClooney is 65 years old and one of the most well-known faces in Hollywood, having worked in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. He made his first appearance in Venice three decades ago, with the movie "Out of Sight," directed by Steven Soderbergh and co-starring Jennifer Lopez.
Most recently, he's premiered two films in Venice, including "Wolfs," alongside his close friend Brad Pitt, and "Jay Kelly," which got him some awards season buzz.
Clooney has no plans to retire
As he's aged, Clooney has opened up about his desire to continue to work while balancing his personal life, including his marriage to Amal Clooney and their children, Alexander and Ella. "My dad's [almost] 92, and he still writes. It's important to stay active," Clooney said in an interview with USA Today.
"I do feel like because it's creative, you can stay involved and do what you want to do. There's going to be parts for 'Grandpa gums bread,' and I'll be the perfect guy for it. That's a good thing about the profession that I've chosen."
© Eliot Press/The Grosby GroupClooney opened up about he and his wife, and their desire to continue to feel productive with their work but still make the time to be with their kids. "If you give up working, you lose your place in society. But we also have to make sure we are spending time doing things with our family, with the people we love more," he said.
George and Amal Clooney married in 2014, after meeting through a mutual friend. The pair welcomed their twins in 2017.
"Then I didn’t really think I’d have much of a chance with her because I was 17 years older and she seemed to have everything she needed," he said to the New York Times.
When speaking about parenting, he said that Amal played a key part in him feeling ready to be a father. "Then I met Amal and we fell in love. I have to say that, after that, everything made sense," he said.
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