The star of the 2026 Venice Film Festival is, without a doubt, George Clooney , who was awarded the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement for his roles as actor, director, and producer. Clooney has also been a regular presence at the festival since 1998.
This time around, the actor held a master class on the Lido, reflecting on his professional and personal life, and giving an emotional tribute to his sister, Adelia—whom he called Ada—who passed away last December.
Last year, Clooney announced her passing, at the age of 65, in a statement released by People : “My sister, Ada, was my hero. She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”
Speaking at his masterclass in Venice, Clooney again reflected on her death: “My sister, who I was very close to, got cancer last year and she died very quickly, and I was with her when she died. And there was this feeling—being with her, holding her hand when she died—understanding how brief all of this is.”
Adelia Zeidler (married name) in Venice for George and Amal Clooney’s wedding, 2014
“My sister, Ada, was my hero”