VENICE, Italy (AP) — Few Hollywood figures are as closely linked to Venice as George Clooney. His journey with the city began 27 years ago at the Venice Film Festival with the acclaimed film “Out of Sight.” Two decades ago, he premiered his second film, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” there, earning his first nomination for Best Director. Eleven years back, he tied the knot with Amal Alamuddin at the luxurious Aman Venice hotel beside the Grand Canal.
Clooney, like many, adores Venice, considering it among the most stunning cities worldwide. However, he also possesses a 15-bedroom villa on Lake Como, famously featured in “Ocean’s Twelve.” This year, he will return to the Lido to showcase Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” where he plays a middle-aged actor traveling across Europe with his manager, portrayed by Adam Sandler. Additionally, his close friend and frequent co-star Julia Roberts will make her Venice Festival debut with “After the Hunt.”
1998: “Out of Sight”
Legend has it that Clooney’s enduring love for Venice began with the premiere of the Elmore Leonard adaptation “Out of Sight.” At 37, while promoting the film alongside Jennifer Lopez, he prepared for a significant life change by departing from “ER” that February.
2003: “Intolerable Cruelty”
This Coen brothers film, featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, was showcased out of competition at the 60th Venice Film Festival, alongside other notable movies like “Matchstick Men” and “The Dreamers.” Clooney’s Italian residence had become just as renowned, frequently attracting both amateur and professional paparazzi.
2005: “Good Night and Good Luck”
Clooney’s acclaimed black-and-white film, detailing journalist Edward R. Murrow’s conflict with Joseph McCarthy, was presented in competition at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. Although it lost the Golden Lion to “Brokeback Mountain,” it went on to receive six Oscar nominations, including one for Clooney’s direction. During this trip, he inspired a cocktail named Buona Notte at the prestigious Belmond Hotel Cipriani, created by legendary bar manager Walter Bolzonella.
2011: “The Ides of March”
This political thriller, directed by Clooney, debuted on opening night as well. As usual, he faced political queries, reflecting on the challenging times in governance.
2023: Spotlight on Amal
This year, George accompanied Amal, who received an award for her work in human rights. Their appearance brought much-needed star power to the festival amidst an ongoing actors’ strike. Amal affectionately stated, “I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away.”
