The Venice Film Festival saw a surprise absence on its second day as Hollywood icon George Clooney missed a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly, due to a serious sinus infection.
The 64-year-old actor had to cut short his press appearances on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the cast and crew.
Co-Stars Attend in His Place
Clooney’s co-stars, including Eve Hewson, Laura Dern, Riley Keough, and Adam Sandler, attended the event in his stead.
Fans and journalists were reassured that George is expected to make an appearance at the film’s world premiere later that evening, accompanied by his wife Amal Clooney.
During the photocall, the conference moderator explained his absence: “I’m afraid George Clooney is not going to be here because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection.
We hope he should be on the red carpet tonight.”
Adam Sandler joked, “Movie stars get sick too,” while Laura Dern added, “George is so devastated that he can’t be here.”
Feeling Unwell Ahead of Busy Schedule
Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that George began feeling unwell on Wednesday and was advised to rest at their hotel ahead of a jam-packed Thursday, which included the film’s premiere.
The couple is staying at the luxurious Cipriani Hotel during the Venice promotional activities.
They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, home to Netflix’s festival operations, around 4 pm on Wednesday.
Hosting Co-Stars at Lake Como Before Venice
Earlier this week, George and Amal Clooney hosted his Jay Kelly co-stars at their $100 million (£73,973) Lake Como villa, Villa Oleandra, before traveling to Venice.
Guests included Oscar winner Laura Dern, Barbie director Greta Gerwig, comedy legend Adam Sandler, and Eve Hewson, daughter of U2’s Bono.
The Clooneys treated their friends to a scenic motorboat ride to lunch at the exclusive Villa d’Este, sharing a glimpse of the couple’s famous hospitality with their eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander.
About the Film Jay Kelly
Set to premiere on Netflix on December 5, Jay Kelly sees George Clooney playing the title role of a Hollywood movie star who “always plays himself.”
Directed by Noah Baumbach, the trailer hints at a reflective journey as George’s character questions his life choices despite adoration from fans and staff.
On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honor, he is celebrated as the “hero of cinema,” only to be confronted about always playing himself.
George’s character responds: “You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.”
Throughout the film, Jay Kelly repeatedly reminds himself of his identity as he and his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler, navigate Europe while confronting the fading allure 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.”
The star-studded ensemble also includes Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Billy Crudup, and British comedian Lenny Henry.
George and Amal arrived in Venice on Tuesday to kick off the festival festivities.
