Hollywood icon George Clooney found himself the target of some good-natured ribbing about the considerable passage of time since his last competitive Golden Globe win during Sunday's ceremony. The playful roasting came from his Ocean's Eleven co-star and fellow presenter, Don Cheadle.
A Playful Podium Roast
While presenting the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, the duo, aged 64 and 61 respectively, turned their attention to nominee Timothee Chalamet. Cheadle initiated the banter by asking the actor, "Timmy what are you now, 29? 30?" After Chalamet confirmed he was 30, Cheadle delivered the punchline aimed squarely at Clooney: "He [Timothee] was three last time you [George] won!"
A flustered Clooney attempted to deflect, retorting, "It wasn't that long ago Timothee! I'm just going to do the nominations now." Undeterred, Cheadle continued his comedic assault with a reference to one of Clooney's less celebrated roles, quipping, "Knock 'em dead Batman!" This jab pointed to the 1997 critically panned film Batman & Robin, for which Clooney earned a Razzie nomination.
Context and Career Accolades
The on-stage teasing followed comments Clooney himself made just days prior at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards. There, he jokingly referred to it as a ceremony for "old people," stating, "The only way I can win anything is because Timothee Chalamet is too god damn young!"
Despite the lighthearted focus on a win drought, Clooney's Golden Globe history is illustrious. His most recent accolade was the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in 2015. Prior to that, he won Best Actor – Drama for The Descendants in 2012 and Best Motion Picture – Drama as a producer on Argo in 2013.
A Heartwarming ER Reunion
Elsewhere during the awards season, Clooney enjoyed a poignant reunion with a former colleague. At the same AARP ceremony, he crossed paths with Noah Wyle, his co-star from the seminal medical drama ER, which ended 16 years ago.
Wyle, who presented Clooney with an award, spoke warmly of their enduring bond forged over 30 years ago. "Those bonds that were forged during that show are so lovely and intimate," Wyle told People. "He's been a real touchstone figure in my life." He described their friendship as one where they can pick up instantly, whether meeting for spontaneous dinners in LA or Vancouver.
In return, Clooney presented Wyle with the Best Actor award in the TV category, offering heartfelt praise. "He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning," Clooney said. "We became very dear friends very early. We have remained that way for well over 30 years now... And when I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle."
The evening perfectly encapsulated Clooney's Hollywood standing: both a revered elder statesman open to jest about his long career and a loyal friend celebrating decades-old connections in an industry known for transience.
