George Clooney: "My country is a cachistocracy ruled by the worst of the worst... men who have made cruelty a pastime".

George Clooney addressed the political situation in his home country during a speech at the 83rd Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2026, describing it as a "caquistocracy" ruled by individuals who have made cruelty a form of entertainment. The remarks came as he received the Golden Lion award for his career achievements, including two Academy Awards as an actor and three notable films as a director. One year prior, Clooney had appeared in Venice for a film presentation, marking a moment of cinematic recognition. His current appearance was equally significant, though framed within a broader context of personal reflection and public commentary. At 65 years old, Clooney acknowledged the melancholy associated with aging while expressing optimism about life’s beauty and the importance of celebrating its positive aspects. During his brief address, Clooney touched upon various topics, including Hollywood's future amid advancements in artificial intelligence, his family life, and evolving personal preferences. However, his focus shifted toward the political landscape of his nation. He emphasized hope rather than despair, stating that although the situation was unfortunate, it could be overcome. Clooney referenced historical moments of crisis, such as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and the surrounding tensions in Washington, D.C., to contextualize the current challenges. Clooney described the political system in his country as a "caquistocracy," where the least capable individuals hold power and have turned cruelty into a pastime. His comments were directed at Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, whom he criticized after Hegseth tweeted about Canadian women in the military. Despite this critique, Clooney remained optimistic, asserting that the nation would emerge stronger from its current struggles. The speech also included reflections on climate change, drawing parallels to philosophical reasoning akin to that of Blaise Pascal. Clooney argued that belief in climate change is rational due to the potentially infinite benefits of taking action, while the consequences of disbelief could be equally severe. This perspective reinforced his call for continued hope and proactive measures to address global warming. In addition to discussing politics and environmental issues, Clooney spoke about journalism, a field deeply rooted in his family heritage. He expressed concern over the reliability of information sources, highlighting the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in an increasingly complex media landscape. Throughout his remarks, Clooney maintained a tone of resilience and determination, refusing to succumb to pessimism despite the challenges facing his country. His words underscored a commitment to perseverance and the belief that solutions are possible, even in the face of adversity.