Clooney turns AFP photographer in jokey purple carpet change

After receiving the Golden Lion on Wednesday, the US star posed in entrance of a crowd of photographers along with his actress good friend Laura Dern on the purple carpet.

He then walked over to Fabi, an AFP photographer who covers main leisure, sporting and political occasions for the worldwide information company’s Rome bureau.

“I give you the Lion,” he informed her, then stated: “I take the picture”.

Images of the second — and of Clooney’s image of a smiling Fabi holding up the award — unfold extensively on social media.

“I don’t know why he chose me,” Fabi stated of her shut encounter with the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker.

“I was pretty surprised and, at first, a bit annoyed. He just put the award on my lap and took my camera!” she stated.

Fabi stated Clooney thanked her profusely as he gave again the digicam and Dern informed her: “Congratulations!”

Clooney had arrived for the beginning of the Venice pageant — the world’s oldest — on Wednesday and posed with photographers overlaying the glamorous Italian showcase.

He had additionally acquired an honour from the Venice photographers’ affiliation, posing with the paparazzi and taking some snaps with the digicam of one other photographer from Italy’s ANSA information company.

Fabi stated she was amazed at Clooney’s handiness with an expert digicam.

“He took four photos and they were all in focus! They were perfect photos. Maybe we should hire him?”

© 2026 AFP