George Clooney, recently recognized for acquiring French citizenship alongside his wife Amal Clooney and their children, made a notable appearance at the Golden Globes on Sunday. While presenting and contending for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his part in “Jay Kelly,” Clooney lost the award to Timothée Chalamet, but captured attention with his public embrace of his new status. The subject of George Clooney French citizenship became a highlight both at the ceremony and in discussions beyond the event.
Bilingual Moment Marks a Subtle Statement
Clooney shared the stage with Don Cheadle as a presenter during the Golden Globes. He initiated his speech by addressing the audience in French, stating,
Bonsoir, mes amis. C’est un honneur d’être ici,
which he then completed by adding,
Good evening, my friends. It’s an honor to be here.
This greeting, delivered in both French and English, drew attention to his and his family’s recent attainment of French citizenship. Clooney’s adoption of a new nationality does not require him to relinquish his U.S. citizenship, which he now holds alongside his French citizenship. His choice has brought renewed attention to his activities both within and outside the film world.
Political Advocacy and Industry Critiques
Outside of acting, Clooney has remained a vocal public figure, particularly on political matters. In 2024, he wrote an open letter urging President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race, a suggestion that preceded Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic nominee following Biden’s withdrawal. Clooney has also publicly challenged major media organizations, especially when it appeared that companies such as CBS and ABC yielded to demands from the Trump Administration in resolving lawsuits brought by the White House.
Paramount, the parent company of CBS, attracted widespread scrutiny after David Ellison assumed control amid a merger with Skydance. Meanwhile, Bari Weiss faced criticism over her stewardship of CBS News, particularly due to her lack of newsroom management history. These industry developments, coupled with Clooney’s outspoken nature, have kept his name prominent in entertainment news circles.
Trump’s Reaction to Clooney’s Citizenship
Clooney’s transition to French citizenship became a subject of criticism by former President Donald Trump. Trump alleged, without offering proof, that Clooney did not qualify as a movie star and only starred in unremarkable films. However, Clooney’s extensive list of accolades, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and a BAFTA, contrasts sharply with Trump’s lack of Emmy wins during his tenure as host of “The Apprentice.”
Clooney’s acclaimed films, such as “Syriana,” “Argo,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “The Descendants,” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” demonstrate his impact and status in cinema. The reference to his awards and roles underscores the ongoing debate about his stature contrasted with criticisms from political figures like Trump.
Clooney’s Subtle Response and Continued Advocacy
By delivering his remarks in French at the Golden Globes, Clooney appeared to directly address the coverage—both critical and supportive—surrounding his citizenship. His public demeanor conveyed confidence in his choice and signaled his ongoing commitment to speaking against perceived injustices. Despite any public dispute, including Trump’s commentary, Clooney positioned himself as both unapologetic and steadfast in advocating for matters he finds important.
Highlights from the Golden Globes Ceremony
During their segment, Clooney and Don Cheadle entertained the crowd with humor about Timothée Chalamet’s youth the last time Clooney claimed a Golden Globe award. The pair then presented the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, where the expected favorite, “Sinners,” was overtaken by “Hamnet.” Amidst all the ceremony’s spectacle, Clooney’s nuanced engagement with his critics, symbolized through his French introduction, underscored his enduring role both in entertainment and public advocacy.
As Clooney balances his life between the U.S. and France, holding dual citizenship, his actions at the Golden Globes and his responses to critics like Trump continue to shape the narrative around celebrity influence, civic engagement, and the responsibilities of public figures in global culture. The focus on his citizenship and political voice may encourage more dialogue about the boundaries between show business and broader societal discourse.
