George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney have been granted French citizenship, along with their two children, according to an official decree published in France's government gazette. The actor had previously expressed his desire for French nationality, citing the country's privacy laws that protect children from paparazzi as a key factor.
In an interview with RTL radio in December, Clooney praised French culture and privacy protections, noting that in France, 'they don't take photos of kids. There aren't any paparazzi hidden at the school gates.' He also mentioned that despite taking 400 days of language courses, he still struggles with French.
The Clooneys, who now hold dual US-French citizenship, have a long-standing connection to Europe. George Clooney owns an estate in Italy's Lake Como region, purchased in 2002, and the couple also owns a historic manor in England. In 2021, they bought a former wine estate in southern France called Domaine du Canadel, near Brignoles.
Clooney told RTL that although the family travels frequently, their home in France 'is where we're happiest.' The actor has won two Oscars: Best Supporting Actor for Syriana in 2006 and as a producer for Argo in 2012.
Clooney is not alone in seeking French citizenship; US director Jim Jarmusch told France Inter radio on Friday that he also plans to apply, saying he wants 'a place that will allow me to escape from the United States.'
