Why George Clooney spoke French at the Golden Globes after Trump’s citizenship comments

George Clooney spoke French onstage at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. The actor surprised the audience by speaking French while presenting an award onstage. The moment came just weeks after news broke that Clooney and his family were granted French citizenship. It was a lighthearted yet notable moment during Hollywood’s biggest night.

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Presenting alongside longtime friend Don Cheadle, Clooney referenced his new ties to France amid recent political reactions, family life abroad, and continued public attention surrounding his citizenship, as per a report.

Why did George Clooney speak French at the Golden Globes?

At the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Clooney briefly addressed the audience in French before presenting an award.

“Bonsoir, mes amis,” began the 64-year-old actor-filmmaker, greeting the crowd. “C'est un honneur d’être ici,” he added, as per a report by People.

The moment followed confirmation that Clooney, his wife Amal, and their children Alexander and Ella were recently granted French citizenship. The naturalization was reported through a decree obtained by the French newspaper Journal officiel and viewed by People.

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What happened during Clooney’s onstage reunion?

Clooney was joined onstage by longtime collaborator and Ocean’s Eleven costar Don Cheadle. The appearance turned into a playful reunion, with Cheadle greeting Clooney in French with a “bonsoir.”

Cheadle also teased Clooney about losing in the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy category to Marty Supreme star Timothée Chalamet, as per a report by People.

“We’re all winners here,” Clooney said.

“Not really — you aren’t,” Cheadle shot back.

The pair then presented the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama, which went to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet.


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How did Donald Trump react to George Clooney’s citizenship?

News of Clooney’s French citizenship sparked strong reactions, including from President Donald Trump.

On Dec. 31, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “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."

Clooney responded days later in a Jan. 2 statement, “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November." He was apparently reffering to the midterm elections.


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What has France said about welcoming the Clooneys?

French officials also commented publicly on the citizenship news, as per a report by People.

"We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community,” the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Dec. 31.

The Clooney family has lived in France since purchasing an estate there in 2021.

Why does George Clooney value life in France?

In an October interview with Esquire, George Clooney spoke about raising his children abroad.

“We live on a farm in France,” he said. “A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it."

He added that for his 8-year-old children, “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.”

FAQs

Did George Clooney recently become a French citizen?
Yes, George Clooney, Amal, and their children were granted French citizenship.

Who presented alongside George Clooney at the Golden Globes?
His Ocean’s Eleven costar Don Cheadle joined him onstage.