George Clooney’s performance in new comedy praised as ‘best ever’

EntertainmentMovie
29 Aug 2025 • 8:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • George Clooney's new film, Jay Kelly, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 28 August, earning a 10-minute standing ovation.
  • Critics have widely praised Clooney's performance, with some hailing it as his "best ever" and suggesting a potential Oscar nomination.
  • The film, co-starring Adam Sandler, has been lauded for its "terrifically smart script" and described as a "mid-life crisis masterpiece" by The Telegraph.
  • It has received predominantly positive reviews, including a four-star rating from The Independent, but The Guardian gave the film a one-star review, criticising it as "self-indulgent".
  • Clooney, who was absent from some promotional activities due to a sinus infection, attended the premiere, where Adam Sandler praised the script as a "gift".

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