Brad Pitt Teases George Clooney in Golden Lion Tribute

Brad Pitt poked fun at longtime friend and co-star George Clooney as Clooney received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday.

Pitt could not attend the ceremony, so Laura Dern read his message while presenting Clooney with the honor. Pitt praised Clooney’s career and character while joking about his dancing.

“He can do, perform, accomplish, compete at most anything and does it better than any of us, but please, keep him off the dance floor,” Pitt said.

Pitt also described Clooney as “a rogue, a prankster, an altruist, an actor, an athlete” and “the only guy you’d want in a crisis.” He added one final jab: “A father, a husband, a global citizen, a defender of justice, and...a really bad dancer.”

The two actors first appeared together in 2001’s Ocean’s 11, playing Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan. They later reunited for Ocean’s 12 and Ocean’s 13. Their other collaborations include Burn After Reading, IF and the 2024 action comedy Wolfs.

Their friendship has long been marked by practical jokes and playful insults. Clooney has also recalled losing the role of J.D. in Thelma & Louise to Pitt, a casting decision that helped launch Pitt’s career.

“I got to the final test for a role in Thelma & Louise,” Clooney previously told The Times. “And, motherf---er, Brad got it.”

Clooney said Pitt still reminds him of the missed opportunity, although he acknowledged after seeing the film that Pitt was the right choice for the role.