George Clooney addressed detractors, including former President Donald Trump, after recently obtaining French citizenship with his wife, Amal Clooney, by delivering a pointed message during his appearance at the Golden Globes on Sunday. The move comes amid Clooney’s growing involvement in political and cultural conversations, making his dual U.S. and French citizenship a key topic, especially for those watching celebrities engage with international affairs.
Clooney’s French Citizenship and Golden Globes Moment
George Clooney appeared at the Golden Globes as both a presenter and a nominee for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his performance in “Jay Kelly,” though the award ultimately went to Timothée Chalamet. Alongside Don Cheadle, Clooney took to the stage in an eventful presentation, and he made a deliberate impact by beginning his speech in French:
“Bonsoir, mes amis. C’est un honneur d’être ici,”
Clooney declared, using his newly acquired French for the international audience—George Clooney, Oscar-winning actor.
This statement served as a subtle but firm reminder of his recent transition into French citizenship, which he shares with Amal Clooney and their two children. Importantly, Clooney has retained his American citizenship, thereby now holding dual status in both the United States and France. His high-profile embrace of French nationality has drawn attention, not just within the entertainment world, but from political figures as well.
Political Activism and Media Critique
Beyond his acting accolades, George Clooney has increasingly made headlines through activism. In 2024, he wrote an open letter urging President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race. This became even more significant when Vice President Kamala Harris garnered enough delegate support to become the Democratic nominee in July, following Biden’s withdrawal.
In addition to political commentary, Clooney has publicly criticized major media and entertainment groups for what he sees as yielding to pressure from the Trump Administration. Notably, he called out CBS and ABC after both networks settled lawsuits with the White House. Much attention has recently centered on Paramount, which owns CBS, particularly since David Ellison’s takeover after the Skydance merger. Further discussions involved Bari Weiss, who has drawn scrutiny for her management of CBS News despite lacking prior newsroom leadership experience.
Trump’s Comments and Clooney’s Response
Expanding on the controversy around his French citizenship, Donald Trump condemned Clooney’s decision, claiming—without substantiation—that he was not a true movie star and had only produced average films. These remarks appear especially pointed given Clooney’s record as an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice Awards recipient. Trump himself, despite years hosting “The Apprentice,” never secured an Emmy award.
Notably, Clooney’s celebrated works, such as “Syriana,” “Argo,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “The Descendants,” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” are widely recognized by industry peers.
A Message of Pride and Defiance
Clooney’s decision to speak French on the Golden Globes stage functioned as both a nod to his new citizen status and a pointed rejoinder to criticisms from Trump and others. The actor’s public actions and comments demonstrate his intent to remain vocal about political and social issues. During the show, after engaging in a comedic exchange with Don Cheadle about Timothée Chalamet’s youth at the time of Clooney’s previous Golden Globes win, both presenters awarded Best Motion Picture – Drama. While “Sinners” was expected to win, “Hamnet” ultimately took the honor.
George Clooney’s approach at the event reflects his broader perspective as an international citizen and outspoken figure. His willingness to directly address public criticism—from political leaders to media—and his advocacy on matters like media integrity indicate that his influence extends well beyond Hollywood. The ongoing attention around his dual citizenship and willingness to tackle controversial subjects suggest Clooney will remain a prominent voice in both entertainment and current affairs.
