Rabat – Hollywood icon George Clooney will be honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. 

He will be recognized for his historic career which  has spanned more than four decades as an actor, director, producer, and humanitarian. 

The award will be presented during this year’s festival which runs from September 2 to 12, 2026. 

The decision was made by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia following a recommendation from the festival’s Artistic Director, Alberto Barbera. He praised Clooney as “a complete and charismatic artist” whose work has left an enduring mark on contemporary cinema.

He also highlighted Clooney’s artistic evolution from television roles to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected leading filmmakers which shows his ability to balance mainstream success with socially and politically engaged storytelling.

Following the recognition, Clooney reflected on his meaningful relationship with the festival, stating “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. It also probably means I’m old, but I’ll take it.”

Clooney has been a regular presence at the Venice Film festival for nearly three decades. 

He first appeared on the Lido in 1998 with Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight and has since returned with several acclaimed projects, including “Good Night,” “Good Luck,” and most recently “Jay Kelly,” which premiered at the festival in 2025.

A two-time Academy Award winner, Clooney has built a versatile career through both his acting roles in films like “Syriana,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and his director roles such as the film “The Ides of March”. 

He is one of the industry’s most influential storytellers.

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is among the highest honors in world cinema. It recognizes individuals whose contributions have significantly influenced and shaped the art of filmmaking. 

Clooney today joins a curated list of past recipients of the award including Martin Scorsese, Julie Andrews, and Omar Sharif.

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival is expected to unveil the full official selection later this month, with Clooney’s lifetime achievement award set to be one of the event’s biggest highlights.