Hollywood actor and filmmaker George Clooney will be honored with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Venice Film Festival, organizers announced on Monday. The award recognizes Clooney’s extensive and influential career in film over nearly three decades of association with the festival.

Clooney, 65, first appeared at Venice with the 1998 film "Out of Sight." Since then, he has had multiple projects premiere at the festival, including his latest feature, "Jay Kelly," which debuted at Venice last year. In 2024, he walked the festival’s red carpet alongside Brad Pitt for the world premiere of their film "Wolves."

As a director, Clooney has brought several films to Venice, such as "Suburbicon," "The Ides of March," and "Good Night and Good Luck." He has also appeared in various other films showcased at the festival, including "Gravity" (2013), which opened the event that year, as well as "The Men Who Stare at Goats" (2009), "Burn After Reading" (2008), "Michael Clayton" (2007), and "Intolerable Cruelty" (2003).

Reflecting on the award, Clooney described Venice as his favorite festival, expressing gratitude for the honor while humorously noting it might signify his advancing age. He has maintained a close personal connection to the city, having married his wife Amal in Venice in 2014 at a high-profile ceremony.

Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera praised Clooney as a multifaceted artist who has passionately shaped contemporary cinema through his work as an actor, director, and producer. Barbera highlighted Clooney’s ability to combine charisma with originality in a career marked by significant artistic contributions.

The 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 2 to 12. The full festival lineup is expected to be announced later this month.