Hollywood star George Clooney skipped press conferences and dinner appearances at the Venice Film Festival due to a sinus infection. His representative confirmed the absence, stating that Clooney was following medical advice to rest. Clooney, 64, was a no-show at a press junket for his latest film, “Jay Kelly,” and missed a high-profile dinner with co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern.
Clooney was reportedly seen boarding a water taxi at approximately 4 p.m. local time Wednesday as he quietly left the Hotel Excelsior to rest up — skipping nearly every major press obligation for the day. His absence extended into the next day, as Clooney also missed the official press conference for the Netflix release. At the event, the press conference moderator addressed his absence.
“As you may know, George Clooney is not going to be here because he has a bad sinus infection. We really hope, and I think he should be on the red carpet tonight. But he is very sorry he cannot be with us,” the moderator said. Director Noah Baumbach, who directed “Jay Kelly,” lightened the mood by quipping, “Even movie stars get sick.”
Clooney arrived in Venice on Tuesday with his wife, Amal, and they were spotted in elegantly coordinated outfits as they walked through the Italian Riviera. Amal stunned in a chic light-yellow dress, with a halter top and gold belt cinched at the waist. She accessorized with gold earrings and a white mini-purse. Clooney, on the other hand, stepped out in a fitted black polo, beige slim-fit pants, and brown suede loafers, completing the look with a matching belt and sunglasses.
Clooney rocked his natural gray hair color during his visit to Italy. This marked a dramatic return to his signature silver fox look, as he had previously dyed his hair for his role in Broadway’s “Good Night, and Good Luck.” During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” he discussed the hair change, saying, “It’s bad. It’s still dark on top, but it’s gray at the bottom.” He admitted he hadn’t dyed his hair in two months since the beginning of the production.
The couple, who married in Venice in 2014, welcomed their twins in 2017. Their presence at the festival highlighted their continued engagement with the film industry and Italian culture. While Clooney’s absence due to illness was unfortunate, it underscored the challenges actors face in balancing their professional commitments with personal health.
Despite the setback, the couple’s appearance at the festival showcased their style and charisma, drawing attention to their fashion choices and their connection to the city. The incident has also sparked discussions among fans about the pressures of maintaining a public image in the entertainment industry.