George Clooney Speaks French at 2026 Golden Globes After Trump Honors His French Citizenship

George Clooney and Don Cheadle Reunite at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards

George Clooney made a memorable appearance at the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards on January 11, joining forces with his Ocean’s Eleven costar Don Cheadle to present an award. The event took place at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and was filled with star power and nostalgia.

Clooney, who is also a Golden Globe nominee, began his presentation by speaking a bit of French, showcasing his efforts to learn the language of his new country. The actor-filmmaker and his wife, Amal, along with their children Alexander and Ella, were recently granted French citizenship, as revealed by a naturalization decree published in the French newspaper Journal officiel.

“Bonsoir, mes amis,” Clooney greeted the audience, wishing them a good evening. “C’est un honneur d’être ici,” he added, expressing his gratitude for being there. His French accent was met with applause from the crowd, highlighting the significance of this milestone in his life.

Joining Clooney on stage was Don Cheadle, who shared a moment of camaraderie with his former co-star. Cheadle, known for his role in Ocean’s Eleven, also threw in some French, saying “bonsoir” to Clooney. The two actors had a lighthearted exchange, with Cheadle teasing Clooney about his loss in the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy category to Timothée Chalamet. Clooney responded with humor, saying, “We’re all winners here.” Cheadle retorted, “Not really — you aren’t.”

The duo then presented the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, which was awarded to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. This moment marked a nostalgic reunion for fans of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, as both actors have a long history of working together.

Reactions to Clooney’s French Citizenship

The news of Clooney’s French citizenship sparked a range of reactions, including from former President Donald Trump. On December 31, Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the matter, stating, “Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden.”

In response, Clooney released a statement on January 2, saying, “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November,” referring to the upcoming midterm elections.

The French government also expressed its approval of Clooney’s new citizenship. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated, “We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community.” This sentiment reflects the broader appreciation for Clooney’s decision to become a citizen of France.

Life in France for the Clooney Family

The Clooney family has been living in France since they purchased an estate there in 2021. In an October interview with Esquire, Clooney spoke about their life on a farm in France. “A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it,” he said. However, he noted that his children have embraced the lifestyle. “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.”

Clooney’s decision to move to France has not only impacted his personal life but also his professional endeavors. As he continues to explore new opportunities in the film industry, his connection to France remains strong.

Coverage of the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards

The 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Nikki Glaser, offered a night filled with celebration and recognition of excellence in television and film. The event was held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and aired on CBS and Paramount+.

Fans of the ceremony can look forward to continued coverage of the awards, including highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments. With stars like Clooney and Cheadle making appearances, the event promises to be a memorable one for fans and industry professionals alike.