George Clooney’s Sudden Illness Shakes Venice Film Festival Lineup
Subject: George Clooney, Venice Film Festival
By Jordan Collins
Alright, let’s get this straight — you’re probably not here because you’re worried about George Clooney’s health, but because you want the tea, and frankly, I’m doing you a favor by summarizing this for you. So sit back, relax, and try not to misspell “sinus infection” in your next Google search.
George Clooney, the silver-haired heartthrob turned industry veteran, has officially pulled out of several events at the 2025 Venice Film Festival due to a sinus infection. Yes, you heard that right — the man who once played Batman and saved lives on *ER* is sidelined by something that sounds like it came straight out of a pharmaceutical commercial.
According to his representative, Clooney is dealing with a “bad sinus infection,” which explains his absence from the press conference for his new film *Jay Kelly*, premiering August 28. The film, directed by Noah Baumbach and co-starring Adam Sandler and Riley Keough, was supposed to be a major festival highlight, but now fans and critics alike are wondering if Clooney will even make it to the premiere.
A festival moderator, speaking to Deadline, confirmed that Clooney is “expected” to attend the premiere, though nothing is set in stone. Co-star Adam Sandler, ever the joker, quipped that “even movie stars get sick,” while Laura Dern admitted she would be “devastated” if Clooney didn’t show up.
For those of you who may have forgotten, Clooney arrived in Venice on August 26 with his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, and their 8-year-old twins Ella and Alexander. The couple, married for nearly 11 years, looked radiant as they waved to crowds from their boat — a far cry from the chaos Clooney is now facing behind the scenes.
Earlier this month, Clooney opened up to Vanity Fair about the emotional weight of his role in *Jay Kelly*, calling it the most vulnerable performance of his career. “When you’re an actor in my position, at my age, finding roles like this aren’t all that common,” he said, adding that he’s embraced the realities of aging in Hollywood. “If you can’t make peace with aging, then you’ve got to get out of the business and just disappear.”
He also reflected on his career trajectory, noting that he didn’t hit major success until he was 33, after 12 years in the business. “I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the festival has been a whirlwind of glamour and star power. Emma Stone, Heidi Klum, and other A-listers have been making appearances, with Stone dazzling in a plunging Armani Privé gown and Klum walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni.
Clooney’s absence has certainly cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a major promotional push for *Jay Kelly*. Whether he’ll be well enough to attend the premiere remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — even Hollywood royalty isn’t immune to a pesky sinus infection.
So yes, George Clooney is human after all. Who knew?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Deadline, Vanity Fair, E! News
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