While the cast of the upcoming film Jay Kelly features several noteworthy names, one of the biggest stars in Hollywood was noticeably absent from several appearances at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday, Aug. 27. George Clooney, who stars as none other than Jay Kelly in the film, was dealing with a sinus infection, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Clooney was absent from the press junket and skipped a dinner with his cast mates, a group that includes well-known names such as Adam Sander and Laura Dern. As THR detailed, it’s rare for Clooney to miss an appearance, and the report cites that he was seen leaving the Hotel Excelsior by boat on Wednesday afternoon.
George Clooney’s ‘Jay Kelly’ Co-Star Laura Dern Gave the Actor High Praise in His Absence
Although Clooney wasn’t in attendance during Wednesday’s pressers for Jay Kelly, it quickly became apparent that he made quite an impact with his performance in the role on castmates. Laura Dern, who plays Liz in the film, spoke about Clooney’s absence and said the 64-year-old actor was “devastated” that he couldn’t be in attendance, as Variety revealed.
Dern also went on to praise the performance Clooney gave in the role of Jay Kelly during her comments.
“Our remarkable George Clooney, who is so devastated that he can’t be here, gave us such a gift in this amazing, raw, true performance,” Dern said.
Dern can be seen sitting next to Adam Sandler and Billy Crudup in the clip, both of whom were nodding in agreement throughout her comments about Clooney.
Clooney’s Strong Defense of Adam Sandler Made Headlines in Early August
It’s far from surprising that Clooney’s Jay Kelly castmates offered plenty of support for the actor, especially following his candid comments on co-star Sandler, who plays his on-screen publicist Ron in the film.
During an interview with Variety, Clooney raved about Sandler, stating that he told the cast that the 58-year-old was far more than “just a good comedian.”
“This film, more than any film Adam has done, shows what a beautiful, heartfelt, soulful actor he is,” Clooney said of Sandler.
“I kept telling the cast, ‘Don’t call him Sand Man. Don’t talk to him like he’s just some goofy comedian. He’s actually a really beautiful, wonderful actor’,” he said. “Because of what his paycheck is, which is doing big goofy comedies, when he does these other, beautiful, Uncut Gems kinds of movies, it reminds people of that. He’s not just a good comedian.”
While Jay Kelly will officially have its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the movie will be released in theaters on Nov. 14, 2025. This is followed by its release on Netflix just over three weeks later, on Dec. 5.
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This story was originally reported by Men’s Journal on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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