Actor George Clooney criticized the United States government during a press conference on Wednesday preceding the opening night of the Venice Film Festival in Italy.
Speaking to journalists at the annual festival on September 2, 2026, the American actor addressed political developments in his home country. Clooney said that the United States would overcome what he described as an unfortunate period, according to a report published by the French news outlet TF1info.
The remarks were made during an official media appearance hosted ahead of the festival's inaugural evening proceedings. TF1info published the report as part of a short video segment running one minute and fifteen seconds.
Venice Film Festival history
The Venice Film Festival, known officially as the Venice International Film Festival or la Mostra de Venise, is the oldest film festival in the world. Established in 1932 on the island of Lido in Venice, Italy, the annual event is organized by La Biennale di Venezia. It stands as one of the three major international film festivals alongside the Cannes Film Festival in France and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany, serving as a key launchpad for international cinema and the annual global awards season.
Actor and international advocate
Clooney is an Academy Award winning actor, director, producer, and political activist who has maintained a long connection with the city of Venice and its film festival. Over a career spanning several decades, he has starred in major Hollywood feature films and television series, while also directing acclaimed historical and political dramas. Outside the entertainment industry, Clooney is widely recognized for his engagement in international human rights campaigns, diplomatic causes, and public affairs commentary.
Platform for global issues
Press conferences at the Venice Film Festival frequently provide high profile figures from the film industry with a platform to speak on broader political and societal issues. The opening night press events traditionally draw global media attention as directors, actors, and jury members gather before public screenings begin. The French news organization TF1info distributed the report covering Clooney's statements as international media outlets began reporting from the Lido.
