Clooney Absent in Venice as Health Concerns Take Stage

George Clooney had to step back from several big moments at the Venice Film Festival after falling sick with a sinus infection.

His representative confirmed the news to Fox News Digital, explaining that the actor was ordered by doctors to cut down his schedule. “George has been diagnosed with a sinus infection and is under doctor’s orders to cut back all activities today,” his rep said on Thursday.

The 64-year-old star was supposed to attend press events for his new film Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, but he didn’t show up. He also skipped a dinner with his co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern.

Reporters in Venice noticed that Clooney quietly left the Hotel Excelsior on Wednesday afternoon, around 4 p.m. local time, taking a water taxi to rest instead of making the rounds.

His absence continued into Thursday, when he also missed the official press conference for the Netflix release.

The moderator told the gathered press, “As you may know, George Clooney is not going to be here because he has a bad sinus infection. We really hope, and I think he should be on the red carpet tonight. But he is very sorry he cannot be with us.” Director Noah Baumbach tried to lighten the moment, joking, “Even movie stars get sick.”

A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, can be draining and painful. It usually causes pressure around the nose, eyes, and forehead, along with headaches, congestion, and fatigue. In some cases it can come with fever or a cough.

The illness can make speaking and moving around exhausting, which explains why Clooney had to cancel his press commitments. Traveling and attending crowded events often make sinus infections worse, so rest is usually the best treatment.

Clooney had arrived in Venice earlier in the week with his wife, Amal Clooney. The couple made a stylish entrance by boat, wearing coordinated summer looks. Amal wore a light yellow dress with a gold belt and matching accessories, while Clooney kept it simple in a black polo and beige pants. But the glamorous outing was short-lived as the actor’s health quickly took priority.

For now, though, his appearance is less important than his recovery. Clooney’s illness meant missing some of the festival’s most high-profile events, but his team and colleagues remain hopeful he’ll be well enough to walk the red carpet once he’s rested.

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