Although health issues may have prevented George Clooney from attending press conferences and photo-call events, they couldn’t stop him from gracing the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday night.
Once more, the Hollywood icon had the support of his elegant wife, Amal, in the city where they famously tied the knot, this occasion marking the promotion of his latest film, Jay Kelly.
Despite battling a ‘serious’ sinus infection that sidelined him from promotional events for about a day, he confidently made his way along the red carpet for 30 minutes.
At 64 years old, the star arrived at roughly 9:35 pm local time for the 9:45 premiere of his new Netflix movie, Jay Kelly, with Amal by his side. Exiting their vehicle, he asked her, ‘Are you OK?’ before adding, ‘OK, let’s go.’
The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.
At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: ‘I can’t speak!’
George Clooney was supported by glamorous wife Amal at the Venice Film Festival premiere of his movie Jay Kelly on Thursday evening
Despite battling a ‘serious’ sinus infection that sidelined him from promotional events for about a day, he confidently made his way along the red carpet for 30 minutes
He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.
Meanwhile, Amal stole the limelight, the stunning human rights attorney drawing attention in a striking off-the-shoulder gown featuring a unique thigh-skimming design.
Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels.
She further accessorised with a gold clutch bag and dangly earring as she linked arms with her husband.
George was absent from a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly on Thursday due to a ‘serious sinus infection’.
The actor, 64, unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach’s competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film’s cast and crew.
The conference moderator announced his absence at the photocall, saying: ‘I’m afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.’
Adam Sandler added: ‘Movie stars get sick too’, before Laura Dern chimed in: ‘George is so devastated that he can’t be here.’
Amal claimed the spotlight, with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail
Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels
The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet
Packing on the PDA he kissed his wife’s hand in a romantic gesture
The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with his wife Amal
The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet
. At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: ‘I can’t speak!’
As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go’
The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go ‘home’ and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which includes the world premiere of the film.
George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.
They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.
Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who ‘always plays himself’.
Directed by Gerwig’s husband Noah, the trailer sees George’s character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.
On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam, he’s hailed as the ‘hero of cinema’ before being brutally asked about always playing himself.
The pair looked fully loved up
To which George’s character snaps back: ‘You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.’
Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is ‘Jay Kelly’ as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.
The official synopsis reads: ‘Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.
‘Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.’
