At the Venice Film Festival, American actor and filmmaker George Clooney was honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. During this, he gave a moving speech about the power of art in times of political turmoil.
George Clooney gives a fiery speech at Venice Film Festival
Clooney said, "Stories are always dangerous to people who peddle in fear." The Oscar winner then poked fun, saying, "You know, when they tell you that you’re gonna be getting a lifetime achievement award, there are really two things that come to mind. The first is what an incredible honor this is. And then the second is, uh, do they know something that I don’t?"
Reflecting on his 45-year career as a 'series of happy accidents', Clooney highlighted film festivals as a vital reminder that people are not as divided as they are often told.
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He further added, "We’re living through a moment in time where the people in charge and people with the most money are telling us to fear one another. But we know better than that, don’t we? Because history does teach us a lesson."
Clooney warned that authoritarians target journalists, artists and storytellers first because empathy-driven stories threaten those who peddle fear, noting that "people afraid of books and music are never the heroes in history."
While movies cannot stop wars or solve economic crises, he emphasized their power to humanise strangers, concluding that as long as audiences can gather in the dark and care about people they have never met, society will be fine.
Clooney thanked his wife and and friends in the speech, saying, "I am at a loss for words to describe how much I love my wife and how proud I am of her and our two children."
What are the dates for Venice Film Festival?
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival takes place from September 2 to September 12, 2026, at the Venice Lido in Italy
FAQs
What is Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award?
Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement is a prestigious honorary award given by the Venice Film Festival to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to cinema.
Is it true he doesn't wear makeup in films?
Yes, he famously refuses to wear studio makeup or hair dye for his movie roles.