George Clooney Calls Out ‘Authoritarians’ and ‘People Who Peddle in Fear’ in Moving Venice Golden Lion Speech: They’re ‘Never the Heroes in History’

George Clooney accepted the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, presented by Laura Dern alongside Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, and Steven Soderbergh. In his speech, Clooney criticized authoritarians and those who peddle in fear, stating they are never the heroes in history. He highlighted the power of art, music, and stories during political turmoil, arguing that such expressions are dangerous to those who promote fear and censorship in the current global climate.