George Clooney debuted his new French citizenship on live television during the 83rd Golden Globes, greeting the star-studded crowd in the language of his adopted homeland before roasting Timothée Chalamet’s win.
At a Glance
- Clooney spoke French while presenting with Don Cheadle on January 11
- The Clooney family received French citizenship via a naturalization decree published in December
- President Trump mocked the move, blaming France’s “crime problem” on immigration policy
- Why it matters: The moment spotlights Hollywood’s growing European relocation trend and the political reactions it sparks
French Debut on Global Stage
“Bonsoir, mes amis,” Clooney, 64, opened as he stepped to the microphone at the Beverly Hilton. “C’est un honneur d’être ici.”
The brief phrases-good evening and it’s an honor-marked the actor’s first public use of French since the Dec. 31 naturalization decree that granted citizenship to him, wife Amal, and their twins Alexander and Ella.
Don Cheadle joined for an Ocean’s Eleven reunion, replying with his own “bonsoir” before ribbing Clooney for losing the Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy race to Timothée Chalamet.
“We’re all winners here,” Clooney protested.
“Not really-you aren’t,” Cheadle shot back.
The pair then presented the Best Motion Picture – Drama trophy to Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
Citizenship Decree Sparks Political Fire
President Donald Trump weighed in on Dec. 31 via Truth Social, writing:
> “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 answered two days later:
> “I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. We’ll start in November,” referencing the upcoming midterm elections.
France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs countered with praise, stating:
> “We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community.”
Life on a French Farm
The family purchased a French estate in 2021 and has lived there full-time since.
“We live on a farm in France,” Clooney told Esquire in October. “A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it.”
The setting keeps 8-year-old twins Ella and Alexander away from screens.
“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.”
Award Season Notes
- Clooney entered the night as a nominee for Jay Kelly in the comedy category
- Nikki Glaser hosted the 83rd annual ceremony
- CBS broadcast the show live from the Beverly Hilton; streams available on Paramount+
Key Takeaways
- Clooney’s fluent French greeting underscores his family’s official integration into France
- The citizenship move drew immediate partisan commentary from both U.S. and French officials
- The actor framed his European relocation as a lifestyle choice focused on raising his children away from Hollywood glare
