American actor and director George Clooney presented his honorary prize to AFP photographer Tiziana Fabi and engaged in a humorous exchange while taking his camera during the Venice Film Festival.
After receiving a Golden Lion for her career on Wednesday at the Mostra, the American star posed in front of a crowd of photographers alongside her friend, actress Laura Dern, on the red carpet.
He then headed to Tiziana Fabi, who covers major events in entertainment, sport and politics for the AFP’s Rome bureau.
“I’ll leave the Lion to you,” he told her, before adding: “I’ll take the photo,” with Tiziana’s camera.
Images of the moment — as well as the photo taken by Clooney, in which we see a smiling Tiziana holding up the Golden Lion — spread widely on social media.
“I don’t know why he chose me,” Tiziana said of meeting the Oscar-winning actor and director.
“I was quite surprised and, at first, a little annoyed. He just put the award on my lap and took my camera,” she said.
Tiziana said that Clooney thanked her profusely by returning the camera and that Laura Dern said: “congratulations!”
George Clooney arrived on Wednesday for the opening of the Venice Film Festival – the oldest in the world – and posed in front of photographers who came to cover this prestigious Italian event.
He also received an award from the Venice Photographers’ Association, posing alongside the paparazzi and taking a few shots with the camera of another photographer from the Italian press agency ANSA.
Tiziana said she was impressed by the ease with which Clooney handled a professional camera.
“He took four photos and they were all in focus! They were perfect photos. Maybe we should hire him?” she smiled.
