At the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 10, George Clooney and Noah Wyle celebrated a meaningful reunion, delighting fans of their long-time friendship and professional history. Clooney, a prominent figure in the industry, received the Best Actor (Movies) Award for his performance as Jay Kelly, while Wyle, equally respected, presented the honor at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, highlighting the ongoing bond between these two outstanding actors. This event brought attention to the George Clooney AARP reunion, marking another chapter in their decades-long relationship.
Celebration of Mutual Achievements and Lasting Friendship
Noah Wyle, who is 54, took the stage with enthusiasm to honor George Clooney, 64. Their reunion included a warm embrace, demonstrating the deep camaraderie that began in the early days of ER. The Hollywood Reporter captured the genuine emotion as Clooney approached the podium, setting the tone for a spirited exchange.
Clooney began his remarks with a nod to the age requirements for the AARP accolade by saying,
“Well, thank you! Thank you to the AARP,”
followed by,
“I have to say, Movies for Grownups just means, you know, old people.”
— George Clooney, Actor
Embracing the humor of the occasion, Clooney added,
“I realized now that the only way I was going to win anything is that Timothée Chalamet is too god-damned young! Put that in your pipe, Mr. Timothée!”
— George Clooney, Actor
In a competitive field, Clooney triumphed over acclaimed actors including Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Joel Edgerton for Train Dreams, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Dwayne Johnson for The Smashing Machine. This victory not only recognized his recent performance but also celebrated his enduring relevance.
Noah Wyle’s Recognition and Clooney’s Support
The event spotlighted Wyle as well, who received the Best Actor (TV) Award for his gripping portrayal of Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in The Pitt. This win came after competing with industry veterans such as Walton Goggins (The White Lotus), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), and Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), underscoring Wyle’s ongoing impact on television drama.
Clooney, reversing roles, presented the award to Wyle and shared a humorous suggestion,
“I would nominate Noah Wyle as the first guy,”
for a hypothetical sexiest man alive list for those over 50. — George Clooney, Actor
Anticipation and Reflections on Their Enduring Connection
Speaking ahead of the awards, Wyle mentioned the upcoming mutual recognition:
“We’re actually going to be reunited the night before [the Golden Globes] as we give each other AARP Awards,”
he revealed, adding,
“I think [that] speaks more of the test of time.”
— Noah Wyle, Actor
This award-season reunion reflected a relationship that began during their time as Dr. Doug Ross (Clooney) and Dr. John Carter (Wyle) on ER from the mid-1990s into the 2000s. Their near three-decade friendship continues to grow, rooted deeply in respect and mutual admiration for each other’s careers.
Wyle has credited Clooney with setting a powerful example:
“I think [Clooney] is a lot of where I learned my perpetual gratitude,”
he said, reflecting on Clooney’s humility and appreciation for his roots,
“He’s never, ever forgotten where he comes from and he’s never taken anything he has for granted.”
— Noah Wyle, Actor
He continued,
“Anytime you’re around [Clooney], you can still see the enthusiasm for the work, for the storytelling, hasn’t diminished over the years. When I think of the two of us still doing what we love to do 30 years later, it’s like, they ain’t caught us yet!”
— Noah Wyle, Actor
Mutual Admiration and Career Legacies
Their professional connection remains strong beyond the awards. Last summer, Clooney praised Wyle’s new series, The Pitt, noting its strengths to a national audience during an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” Clooney reminisced,
“I have to say, we’ve been really dear friends since [ER] — since we did the pilot of the show,”
highlighting their bond.
“He is just the most honorable, talented young man, [which] I get to say because I’m an old man. I cannot be happier for his success on the show. The show is just a beautiful show, and he does just a great job with it.”
— George Clooney, Actor
Recalling their time on ER, Clooney humorously confessed his own struggles with the demanding medical dialogue, in contrast to Wyle’s apparent ease,
“He always could do it, and I hated him for that,”
Clooney teased. — George Clooney, Actor
The Pitt carries a legacy from ER, being created by R. Scott Gemmill, formerly a key writer and producer for the earlier series, further connecting Wyle’s current work to his television roots. The series’ second season is now available for streaming on HBO Max, demonstrating Wyle’s enduring influence in medical drama.
Looking Ahead: Lasting Influence and Future Prospects
The reunion of George Clooney and Noah Wyle at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards not only celebrated individual successes but also underscored the powerful, supportive friendships within Hollywood’s community of seasoned performers. As both actors continue to excel—Clooney in his film roles and Wyle in his television pursuits—their collaboration and respect remain a model for industry relationships. The acknowledgment from AARP reflects the significant contributions made by actors over 50, ensuring that the impact of Clooney, Wyle, and their colleagues remains highly visible and influential for years to come.
Noah Wyle and George Clooney reunite at the Movies for Grownups Awards, where Clooney wins for best actor pic.twitter.com/H9IJKySrA8
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 11, 2026
