George Clooney is set to be honored with Film at Lincoln Center‘s 51st Chaplin Award. The gala is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026.
The FLC is honoring the actor for his career in Hollywood and his humanitarian work.
Clooney’s recognition comes after starring in Jay Kelly, a film in which he plays an aging actor facing personal and professional reckoning.
“It was a true pleasure to welcome George Clooney to Film at Lincoln Center in September for the premiere of Jay Kelly, a highlight of the 63rd New York Film Festival,” said Daniel Battsek, FLC President. “We are honored to invite him back to celebrate a professional life that reflects such extraordinary range and purpose. From award-winning performances to standout producing work to acclaimed directing, George brings a distinctive blend of intelligence, craft, and social conscience to everything he does. His contributions continue to inspire audiences and artists around the world.”
Clooney has been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars after breaking out on NBC’s ER and going on to star in films like Out of Sight, Syriana, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Up in the Air, and the Oceans trilogy. His work has extended to the stage as well, earning a Tony nomination for his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck.
Dan Stern, Chairman of the FLC Board of Directors, said, “
“George Clooney embodies a rare blend of artistry, generosity, humor, and integrity. His unmistakable on-screen charisma is matched by the excellence he brings behind the camera as a director and producer, consistently using his influence to champion emerging talent and shine a light on urgent humanitarian issues around the world,” said Dan Stern, Chairman of the FLC Board of Directors. We are proud to present George with the 51st Chaplin Award, placing him among the cinematic luminaries who have received this honor over the last half-century.”
Clooney is also known for his humanitarian advocacy and an outspoken defender of the First Amendment and a leading voice in global human-rights campaigns, especially regarding the crises in Darfur and Sudan.
Presented each year at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Chaplin Award recognizes an individual’s significant contributions to the art of cinema. Past recipients have included Pedro Almodóvar, Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, and Gregory Peck.
