George Clooney Withdraws from Venice Film Festival Due to Illness

George Clooney was forced to cut short his participation at the Venice Film Festival after falling ill with a sinus infection, according to his representative. The 64-year-old actor missed several promotional events for his new film, Jay Kelly, including a press junket and a private dinner with co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, as well as Netflix executives. Clooney was seen leaving the Hotel Excelsior by boat to rest and recover, with sources emphasizing that his illness is not serious. Despite the health setback, he is expected to resume promotional activities, including attending the film's official press conference and world premiere. Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, is a comedy-drama about a Hollywood actor reflecting on his life and will be released on Netflix in December. Clooney had arrived at the festival with his wife Amal Clooney and had been active and in good spirits earlier in the day before his sudden illness.