Brad Pitt Toasts ‘Really Bad Dancer’ George Clooney in a Hilarious Message Read By Laura Dern in Venice

**George Clooney Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Venice Film Festival**

George Clooney, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker, has been presented with the prestigious Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement at the Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026. This recognition celebrates a career that has spanned decades and seen Clooney emerge as a significant figure in both the film industry and philanthropic efforts.

During the festival’s opening night ceremony, actress Laura Dern had the honour of presenting the award. In a lighthearted twist, she read out a heartfelt tribute from Clooney’s long-time friend and co-star, Brad Pitt. Dern conveyed Pitt’s humorous and affectionate remarks about Clooney’s multifaceted talents, including his prowess as an actor and producer, but also cheekily advised the audience to keep him off the dance floor.

“George can do, perform, accomplish, compete at most anything and does it better than any of us,” Dern quoted Pitt as saying. “But please, keep him off the dance floor. He doesn’t know.” With a smile, she further elaborated on Clooney’s character, referring to him as a “pigeon-toed kid from Kentucky” and emphasising his reliability in times of need.

Clooney, who is now 65 years old, has not only an adjustable acting career but also an impressive pedigree in filmmaking. Dern highlighted that he is one of only three individuals to have received Academy Award nominations across six distinct categories. He has garnered two Oscars over the course of his career—one for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for “Syriana,” and another in 2013 for Best Picture for producing “Argo.”

In her tribute, Dern painted a vivid picture of Clooney’s integrity and humanitarian spirit. “He is a man of the deepest kind of humanity and integrity, a man who lives for service and truth,” she stated. “He tells stories that entertain us, yet also inspire us to strive for goodness within ourselves and hold others accountable.” Her remarks resonated with the audience and underscored Clooney’s impactful contributions both on-screen and off.

Notably, Clooney’s career continues to flourish, as he recently starred in the movie “Jay Kelly,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival just a year prior. The film featured Clooney as an actor journeying through Europe on his way to an awards tribute, echoing his own real-life accolades.

Clooney and Pitt have collaborated on several projects over the years, including the recently released film “Wolfs.” This marked their first on-screen partnership since 2008’s “Burn After Reading” and showcased their enduring friendship and professional rapport. Their strong camaraderie is set to continue as they prepare to star together in “Ocean’s 14,” a new installment in the beloved heist franchise, which has not seen a film since “Ocean’s Thirteen” in 2007.

Anticipation is building for “Ocean’s 14,” with Clooney confirming in a December 2025 interview that production is scheduled to begin shortly. The sequel will see the return of familiar stars including Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon, cementing the franchise’s legacy while delighting long-time fans.

In addition to this eagerly awaited sequel, Bradley Cooper is also set to direct a prequel to the widely popular “Ocean’s Eleven,” which will delve into the backstory of Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean. This prequel aims to illuminate the origins of the franchise and is expected to be released on June 25, 2027.

The Venice International Film Festival, an iconic event in the film calendar, runs from September 2 to September 12, showcasing a blend of established and emerging cinematic talent from around the world. Clooney’s recognition as a lifetime achiever stands as a testament to his influence within the industry and the lasting impact of his work. As he continues to create and inspire, both his peers and audiences alike celebrate not only his achievements but also the indelible mark he has made on cinema.