Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) announced that George Clooney will be honored with the 51st Chaplin Award at a gala on April 2. Celebrating a career that spans acting, directing, producing, and global humanitarian advocacy, Clooney joins a prestigious line of past honorees that includes Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Viola Davis, and Pedro Almodóvar.
“George Clooney embodies extraordinary range and purpose,” said Daniel Battsek, FLC President. “From award-winning performances to standout producing and acclaimed directing, his work continues to inspire audiences and artists worldwide.” Dan Stern, Chairman of FLC’s Board of Directors, added, “Clooney’s artistry, generosity, and commitment to global humanitarian issues make him a deserving recipient of the Chaplin Award.”
Clooney’s screen career is marked by iconic performances in films such as Out of Sight, Syriana, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Up in the Air, and the Ocean’s trilogy. Beyond acting, he has directed and produced numerous acclaimed projects, including Argo, The Ides of March, The Boys in the Boat, and The Tender Bar, through his production companies Section Eight and Smokehouse Pictures. He has earned two Academy Awards and a historic record of nominations across six categories, alongside multiple Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and an AFI Life Achievement Award.
Equally notable is Clooney’s humanitarian work. He has been a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly in Darfur and Sudan, co-founding the “Not On Our Watch” initiative and launching the Satellite Sentinel Project to monitor violations via satellite imagery. Clooney has addressed the United Nations Security Council and received honors including the Peace Summit Award, the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, and designation as a U.N. Messenger of Peace.
The Chaplin Award Gala, held annually at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, honors individuals for their significant contributions to cinema. It also serves as FLC’s major fundraiser, supporting film series, educational initiatives, and marquee events including the New York Film Festival and New Directors/New Films.
Tickets and tables for the gala will be available through FLC, with tribute-only tickets going on sale in January 2026. Past honorees span the history of cinema, from Charles Chaplin in 1972 to Pedro Almodóvar in 2025, reflecting the award’s legacy of celebrating the art form’s most influential figures.