Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 28, 2025 · Entertainment

George Clooney Battles Sinus Infection at Venice Film Festival

George Clooney was supported by glamorous wife Amal at the Venice Film Festival premiere of his movie Jay Kelly on Thursday evening

EXCLUSIVE: George Clooney Brings Red Carpet Glamour to Venice Film Festival Despite Sinus Infection

In a dramatic display of Hollywood glamour, George Clooney made a stunning appearance at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday evening, despite being laid low by a "serious" sinus infection. The 64-year-old actor, who was seen clutching his throat and struggling to speak at times, walked the red carpet with his beautiful wife Amal, looking every inch the devoted couple.

The dashing duo arrived at around 9:35 pm local time for the premiere of George's new Netflix film, Jay Kelly, a coming-of-age drama that has been generating buzz in Tinseltown. As they exited their car, George turned to his stunning wife and asked, "Are you OK?" before declaring, "OK, let's go!" The pair then proceeded to charm the crowds with their effortless chemistry and undeniable glamour.

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a ‘serious’ sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours

George's health woes had kept him away from promotional duties for around 24 hours, but nothing could keep him from the red carpet. Despite his sinus infection, he sailed through a 30-minute trot up the red carpet, smiling brightly for photos and signing autographs for fans. At one point, he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds, "I can't speak!" in between charming conversations with festival boss Alberto Barbera and co-stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.

Meanwhile, Amal stole the spotlight in an eye-catching off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail. The stunning human rights lawyer paired her ensemble with silver strappy heels and a gold clutch bag, looking every inch the fashion icon. As she linked arms with George, it was clear that this power couple is still going strong after all these years.

The news of George's sinus infection had sparked concern among fans, with many speculating about his absence from a press conference for Jay Kelly on Thursday. However, festival organizers were quick to reassure everyone that the actor would be making an appearance at the film's premiere.

Amal claimed the spotlight, with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail

George's Sinus Infection: The Real Reason He Missed Promotional Duties

According to sources close to the star, George started feeling unwell on Wednesday and was advised to go "home" and rest ahead of a busy Thursday. It seems that his sinus infection had other plans, forcing him to skip a press conference for Jay Kelly and a dinner with the film's cast and crew.

At the photocall, the moderator announced George's absence, 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 quipped, "Movie stars get sick too," while Laura Dern chimed in, "George is so devastated that he can't be here."

Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels

The Story Behind Jay Kelly: A Coming-of-Age Drama Like No Other

Directed by Noah Baumbach (known for his work on Marriage Story and Frances Ha), Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of a Hollywood movie star who's starting to question his life choices. The film follows George's character as he embarks on a whirlwind journey through Europe with his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler.

As they navigate the complexities of showbusiness, both men are forced to confront their own identities and legacies. Will Jay Kelly find the answers he's been searching for, or will he continue to play it safe? The trailer hints at a deeper exploration of the human condition, one that will leave audiences questioning what it means to be themselves.

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet

The Cipriani Hotel: A Haven for Hollywood's Elite

George and Amal are currently staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice, where they're being treated like royalty. The pair were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4 pm on Wednesday. It seems that this power couple knows how to bring a little bit of Hollywood glamour to the city of canals.

As the curtain falls on another successful Venice Film Festival, one thing is clear: George Clooney and Amal are still the ultimate red carpet power couple. Despite health woes and promotional duties, they continue to dazzle audiences with their effortless chemistry and undeniable style. Long may this golden age of Hollywood continue!

George was joined by his co-stars Riley Keough, Adam and Emily Mortimer

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!’

George was seen chatting with his co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern

Adam winked and flashed a peace sign up at the crowds

Laura Dern caught the eye in a quirky green dress with a black barbed wire-esque overlay

The actress made a rare appearance with her daughter Jaya Harper

She posed with Jaya and Emily Mortimer (R) and her daughter May Nivola

The pair posed together in their matching suits and bow ties

Adam pulled a funny face as he posed for a shot taken by George

Billy Crudup and his wife Naomi Watts posed together

The actress, 56, wowed in a nude mesh dress adorned with sequined flowers

She kissed her husband on the cheek as they put on a loved up appearance

Riley opted for a brown plunging blouse and light peach coloured skirt

As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go’

George looked to be beside himself as he laughed at a joke while resting his head on Adam's shoulder

George beamed despite his recent health issues which caused him to take some time off

Adam was joined by his wife Jackie and their daughters Sunny and Sadie

Sadie wore a strapless white gown, while Sadie opted for a black floaty dress and Sunny wore a white halter neck

Shailene Woodley put on a very leggy display in a tiny black mini dress

Eve Hewson and her mother Ali Hewson both opted for all black ensembles for the evening

Eve brought the drama in a black sequined gown complete with mesh detailing

There were plenty of kisses on the red carpet

Ted Sarandos, Nicole Avant, Adam, George, Laura and Riley (L-R)

The pair looked fully loved up

American producer Scott Stuber and his wife Molly Sims attended together