George Clooney Drops French onstage at the 2026 Golden Globes Following Trump’s Comment on His Citizenship
At the 2026 Golden Globes, George Clooney gave fans a fun surprise by speaking French onstage. The 64-year-old actor and filmmaker, recently granted French citizenship along with his wife Amal and their children Alexander and Ella, opened his presentation with a few words in his new language.
“Bonsoir, mes amis,” Clooney greeted the audience, followed by “C’est un honneur d’être ici” — which means “it’s an honor to be here.” Clooney and Amal received citizenship after living on their French estate since 2021, as confirmed by the French newspaper Journal officiel.
George Clooney presents the last award of the night for Best Picture – Drama 🏆 … supported from afar by Don Cheadle #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/GH96zvg9jC
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026
Joining him onstage, Don Cheadle added to the fun by tossing out a “bonsoir” to Clooney during an Ocean’s Eleven reunion moment. The actors also teased each other about the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy category, which Clooney lost to Timothée Chalamet. Clooney protested, saying, “We’re all winners here,” to which Cheadle quipped, “Not really — you aren’t.”
Together, they presented the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, awarded to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet.
Clooney’s French citizenship had already drawn public attention before the awards. On Dec. 31, President Donald Trump commented on Clooney’s naturalization via Truth Social, criticizing the couple’s decision and linking it to broader political issues. Clooney responded in early January with a statement referencing the midterm elections, saying, “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November.”
The French government welcomed the Clooneys, with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stating, “We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community.”
Clooney has shared that his family enjoys life on their French farm. In an October interview with Esquire, he noted, “A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it. But for my kids, they’re not on their iPads, you know? They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life.”
The French language moment at the Golden Globes added a lighthearted touch to the star-studded ceremony while highlighting Clooney’s new chapter abroad.
It’s refreshing to see a major Hollywood star embrace a new culture so publicly. It shows that even global celebrities can adapt and celebrate new beginnings in a playful way. What do you think about Clooney speaking French at the Globes? Share your thoughts in the comments.