George Clooney, 64, Misses Venice Festival Press Conference Due to Health Issue

George Clooney Misses Venice Film Festival Event Due to Sinus Infection

George Clooney, 64, was notably absent from a press conference for his new film Jay Kelly at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday due to a “serious sinus infection.” The actor cut short his press commitments on Wednesday and skipped a dinner with the cast and crew, though his co-stars Laura Dern, Adam Sandler, Riley Keough, and Eve Hewson attended events in his place. Festival organizers expressed hope he’d recover in time for the evening’s premiere with his wife, Amal Clooney.

Co-stars Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, Adam Sandler, director Noah Baumbach, and Emily Mortimer represented the film at the photocall.

A moderator announced Clooney’s absence, stating, “George is not here because he has a bad, serious sinus infection. We hope he’ll be on the red carpet tonight.” Sandler lightened the mood, joking, “Movie stars get sick too,” while Dern added, “George is devastated he can’t be here.” Sources told The Hollywood Reporter Clooney fell ill Wednesday and was advised to rest ahead of the premiere.

The Clooneys, staying at Venice’s Cipriani Hotel, hosted co-stars earlier in the week at their $100 million Lake Como villa. Guests included Sandler, Dern, Hewson, and director Greta Gerwig, who enjoyed a boat ride and lunch at Villa d’Este.

Riley Keough stunned in a chic black dress at the event.

In Jay Kelly, Clooney plays a self-parodying Hollywood star grappling with his legacy. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the Netflix film’s trailer shows Kelly questioning his career amid fan adoration, snapping at a critic: “You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.” The story follows Kelly and his manager (Sandler) on a European journey confronting fame and personal choices.

Eve Hewson turned heads in a white floral gown and sunglasses.

The star-studded cast includes Emily Mortimer, Billy Crudup, and Isla Fisher. The film, set for release December 5, marks Clooney’s latest collaboration with Netflix.

Clooney and Amal, who arrived in Venice Tuesday, are expected to attend the premiere as he recovers. The actor’s role in Jay Kelly comes weeks after he addressed critiques about his onscreen versatility, making the meta-narrative of the film particularly timely.

The couple at the Cipriani Hotel ahead of the festival.

With humor and introspection, Jay Kelly promises to blend Hollywood satire with heartfelt drama, showcasing Clooney’s signature charm—if his health allows him to grace the red carpet.