Hollywood star George Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife, Amal, have officially been granted French citizenship, a move formalised by a decree in France's government gazette. The status extends to their eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, making the entire family dual US-French nationals.
Privacy for the Family Drives the Decision
The couple's decision was heavily influenced by France's robust privacy laws, which Clooney publicly praised in early December. In an interview with RTL radio, the Oscar-winning actor highlighted the critical difference these laws make for his children's upbringing compared to life in Los Angeles.
"Here, they don't take photos of kids. There aren't any paparazzi hidden at the school gates. That's number one for us," Clooney stated. He added that while his French language skills were still a work in progress despite "400 days of courses," the family felt most at home in France, describing it as "where we're happiest."
A Long-Standing European Connection
The Clooneys' ties to Europe are deep and predate their 2014 marriage. George Clooney has owned a property on the continent since 2002, namely a famed estate on Italy's Lake Como. Together, the couple also owns a historic manor in England.
Their French connection was solidified in 2021 with the purchase of Domaine du Canadel, a former wine estate near the village of Brignoles in Provence. While they maintain a global portfolio including a New York apartment and a property in Kentucky, they have reportedly sold homes in Los Angeles and Mexico over the past decade.
Not the Only Hollywood Figure Seeking a French Passport
Clooney is not alone in his pursuit of French nationality. In a separate development, acclaimed US director Jim Jarmusch revealed on France Inter radio that he too plans to apply for French citizenship. Jarmusch cited a desire for "a place that will allow me to escape from the United States" and an admiration for French culture as his motivations.
For George Clooney, the new citizenship marks another chapter in a decorated career. The actor, director, and producer is a two-time Oscar winner, receiving awards for Best Supporting Actor in 'Syriana' (2006) and as a producer on 'Argo' (2012). Amal Clooney, a British-Lebanese barrister renowned for her international human rights work, is fluent in French.
The move underscores a growing trend of high-profile individuals seeking European havens that offer greater legal protections for private family life, with France's stringent approach to paparazzi intrusion proving a significant draw.
