
Laura Dern to Present Lifetime Achievement Award to George Clooney at Venice Film Festival

By John Lasseter


By John Lasseter
Acclaimed actress Laura Dern is scheduled to deliver the laudatory address for George Clooney at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. This special occasion, slated for Wednesday, September 2nd, will see Clooney receiving the esteemed Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, an honor previously announced by the festival organizers.
George Clooney, a unique figure in cinema history with Oscar nominations across six diverse categories—Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, and Adapted Screenplay—will be celebrated on September 2nd. The festival's opening ceremony on the Lido will pay tribute to his remarkable career, acknowledging his prowess as an actor, director, and producer.
The Venice Film Festival is also commending Clooney for integrating his passion for social and humanitarian causes into his directorial works and public persona. According to a statement from the Biennale, this commitment solidifies his status as a preeminent figure in contemporary show business, reflecting a career that transcends entertainment.
Laura Dern has a rich history with the Venice Film Festival, having participated in numerous films screened there. In 2025, she co-starred with Clooney in Noah Baumbach's “Jay Kelly,” which competed at Venice. Her past festival appearances include “Haunted Summer” (1988), “October Sky” (1998), “Dr. T & the Women” (2000), “Inland Empire” (2006), and “Marriage Story” (2019), for which she earned an Academy Award. More recently, she attended with “The Son” (2022). Notably, Dern also presented the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to David Lynch in 2006.
George Clooney is a familiar and beloved presence at the Venice Film Festival, having graced the Palazzo del Cinema's red carpet on multiple occasions throughout his career. His notable film premieres at the festival include “Out of Sight” (1998), “Good Night, and Good Luck” (2005), “Wolfs” (2024), and “Jay Kelly” last year, showcasing his enduring relationship with the esteemed cinematic event.
The 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival is scheduled to commence on September 2nd and conclude on September 12th, promising another exciting showcase of global cinematic talent and artistic achievement.
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Former chief creative officer of Pixar, whose principles of storytelling have shaped modern animation.

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