George Clooney Shares His French Skills at the 2026 Golden Globes Following Donald Trump’s Praise for His Dual Citizenship
George Clooney at the 83rd Golden Globes on Jan. 11.
Credit:
Rich Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- George Clooney presented an award alongside Don Cheadle at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards on January 11.
- The Jay Kelly nominee, who recently acquired French citizenship, opened his presentation with a few words in French.
- News of Clooney and his family obtaining French citizenship sparked mixed reactions, including from President Donald Trump.
George Clooney showcased his new language skills during the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards.
At the star-studded event, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Clooney, 64, delivered a portion of his speech in French before presenting an award. He, along with his wife Amal and their children, Alexander and Ella, recently gained French citizenship, a move confirmed by a naturalization decree published in the French Journal officiel.
“Bonsoir, mes amis,” he greeted the audience, expressing his pleasure to be part of the event. “C’est un honneur d’être ici,” he continued, translating to, “it’s an honor to be here.”
Amal Clooney and George Clooney at the 83rd Golden Globes on Jan. 11.
Monica Schipper/Getty
Clooney was later joined by Don Cheadle, who participated in a playful reunion from their Ocean’s Eleven days, also greeting Clooney in French with a “bonsoir.” Cheadle humorously teased his co-star about losing the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy award to Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme.
“We’re all winners here,” Clooney quipped in response, but Cheadle remarked, “Not really — you aren’t.” The two went on to present the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, awarded to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet.
Clooney’s recent acquisition of French citizenship set off a whirlwind of reactions, including critical comments from former President Donald Trump on December 31. Trump stated on Truth Social that it was "Good News!" that Clooney and his wife, Amal, had become French citizens, adding that France was grappling with significant crime issues.
Clooney, in turn, issued a statement on January 2, aligning himself with current political sentiments: “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November,” in reference to the forthcoming midterm elections.
President Donald Trump on Dec. 28; George Clooney on Nov. 21.
Joe Raedle/Getty; Joe Maher/Getty
The French government also responded to the news of Clooney’s citizenship. A statement from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, released on December 31, expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community."
Clooney and his family relocated to France in 2021 after acquiring an estate there. In a recent interview, Clooney reflected on their life in Europe, emphasizing the positive experiences of his children compared to his own upbringing on a farm. "They’re not on their iPads… They have dinner with grown-ups and have to take their dishes in. They have a much better life," he remarked, highlighting the value of their current lifestyle.
