George Clooney, celebrating a lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival, adopted a different role by taking pictures himself. The 65-year-old actor was presented with the Golden Lion award as the festival opened.
Instead of posing for photographers, Clooney borrowed a camera lens and turned it towards the press. He was seen with Tiziana Fabi, a photographer for Agence France-Presse, holding his trophy while he operated the camera.
Upon accepting the award, Clooney called it an "incredible honor" and humorously questioned if the award committee was aware of something he was not. His acceptance speech also touched on broader societal issues, with Clooney remarking on a "moment in time where people in charge... are telling us to fear one another."
He emphasized the importance of journalists and artists, stating, "The first people that authoritarians try to shut down are not politicians. They're journalists who ask questions. They're the artists who refuse simple answers. They're the filmmakers, writers, actors and musicians who insist that someone you have never met is deserving of your empathy. Stories are always dangerous to people who peddle in fear."
Clooney also appeared on the red carpet with his wife, Amal, for the premiere of Danny Boyle's film "Ink." Clooney wore a Giorgio Armani tuxedo, while Amal, 48, donned a black Tom Ford gown.
The film "Ink," based on James Graham's 2017 play, chronicles Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of The Sun newspaper in 1969. The cast includes Guy Pearce as Murdoch, Jack O'Connell as editor Larry Lamb, and Claire Foy as a fictional executive. Foy described the world depicted in the film as "really intoxicating," noting the power wielded by those involved and the influence of their writing on public perception.