In today's issue
A date with George
Stop dreaming ladies, it's finally going to happen. Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney will be hotting things up on the red carpet at this year's Dubai International Film festival (DIFF).
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 13:04 November 17, 2007
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- George Clooney starred with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino in Ocean's Thirteen.
Stop dreaming ladies, it's finally going to happen. Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney will be hotting things up on the red carpet at this year's Dubai International Film festival (DIFF).
The American actor, director, producer and screenwriter who gained fame as one of the lead doctors in the long-running television drama ER, will walk the red carpet on December 9 for the Opening Gala screening of his critically-acclaimed film, Michael Clayton.
DIFF organisers have just secured the A-list heart-throb and say they are "thrilled" to have such a high-profile star opening the festival.
They have confirmed Clooney will walk the red carpet before taking his seat in the cinema at the Madinat Arena for a special introduction and regional premiere of the film.
Return to Dubai
Winner of an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Syriana (which he filmed in Dubai) and two Golden Globes, Clooney has balanced his glamorous performances in big-budget blockbusters with work as a producer and director behind commercially-risky projects, as well as social and political activism.
DIFF chairman Abdulhamid Juma said: "We look forward to once again hosting Clooney in the Emirates. As a Hollywood veteran and filmmaker, his knowledge will add considerable value to industry panels and discussions, and Michael Clayton will undoubtedly be very warmly received by festivalgoers for our opening Gala.
"Clooney's return to the region means we have come full circle, from Dubai as a backdrop for Syriana to DIFF as a platform to showcase his latest venture."
Fans of Clooney in the UAE will have the chance to watch their screen hero in action in the film Michael Clayton while being in the same auditorium as the Hollywood star. In the movie, Clooney plays the role of Michael Clayton who is a "fixer" at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of Kenner, Bach & Ledeen's dirtiest work at the behest of the firm's co-founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack).
Though burned out and hardly content with his job as a fixer, his divorce, a failed business venture and mounting debt have left Clayton inextricably tied to the firm. When a class action suit is sabotaged, Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career and his life.
Bite-size bio
•George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6, 1961, in Lexington, Kentucky, US.
•His interest in theatre began in primary school and he nurtured his talent in several plays at Augusta High School, in Augusta, Kentucky.
•Despite attending Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati, he graduated from neither.
•He shot to fame in the television series ER in which he played Dr Doug Ross in more than 100 episodes between 1994 and 1999. For this role, he was also nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe award.
•Clooney won an Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in Syriana in 2006. In the same year, he was nominated for best director and best original screenplay for Goodnight, and Good Luck.
•When it comes to politics, Clooney is a liberal and has spoken out against the Iraq war.
•The actor is also an activist involved in trying to find a resolution to the Darfur conflict. This has included him addressing the Security Council of the United Nations and appearing in a documentary called Darfur Now, released earlier this month, which calls for people to help bring an end to the crisis in Darfur.
Lucky ladies
Dashing George Clooney exudes the impression of being an eternal bachelor. Frequently seen out with a beauty on his arm, he has dated a string of actresses and TV personalities, including Renée Zellweger, Mariella Frostrup and Lisa Snowdon.
The star walked down the aisle just once, with actress Talia Balsam in 1989, but the marriage lasted only four years. His current girlfriend is model Sarah Larson.
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle
