Health concerns may well have kept him away from press conferences and photo-calls, but nothing could keep George Clooney away from the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday evening.
The Hollywood star was once again supported – and inevitably upstaged – by his glamorous wife Amal in the city they famously married in, this time to promote his coming of age drama Jay Kelly.
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.
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 Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘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
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
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He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.
Meanwhile 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 AQUAZZURA Forever More Sandals.
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
In one cheeky snap George was seen grabbing Adam’s bottom as the pair joked around
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
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!’
Amal put on an eye-popping display as she made her stylish arrival
Despite his health woes he packed on the PDA with the stunning Amal
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
The actor appeared in great spirits despite feeling under the weather
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
The lovebirds could not keep their hands off each other
Riley opted for a brown plunging blouse and light peach coloured skirt
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.
As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go’
Ever the gentleman George was on hand to help his wife with her gown
Amal leant into her beloved husband as they put on a united front
Despite the evening’s glamour Amal’s gorgeous gown was left soaking wet thanks to the rain
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
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
Emily Mortimer was the epitome of chic in a white lace midi dress
Shailene Woodley flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a tiny black satin mini dress
Adding extra sparkle with diamond jewellery the actress oozed confidence as she posed for the cameras
The thigh skimming dress ensured all eyes were on her
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
The model wowed in a bejewelled nude gown and silk shawl
Alba Rohrwacher opted for a bold royal blue satin gown which she paired with platform black heels
Rahi Chadda oozed sophistication in a stylish black suit as he hit the star-studded red carpet
Amal’s dress flowed behind her in a dramatic train
George attempted to keep the skirt down as it blew in the wind
The A-list couple posed for the cameras
Adam couldn’t help giving the peace sign
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.’