Entertainment Weekly (Feb 12)

George Clooney
Age: 48
Role: Ryan Bingham, a high-flying corporate hatchet man who reevaluates his connection-free lifestyle after falling for a fellow traveler (Vera Farmiga).

Oscar History: Four previous nominations: two for acting, one for directing, one for writing. He’s won once: Best Supporting Actor for 2005’s Syriana.
He Always had it in him: Though Clooney’s turn in Up in the Air has several surprisingly emotional moments near the end, it’s the breezy feel of most of the performance that’s won praise from critics and audiences alike. “Laurance Olivier disappeared into roles and you never could recognize him,” Clooney says. “Then there was Spencer Tracy, and he was always sort of  … Spencer Tracy. I don’t know where I fit in. There’s always some element of me in there. So if it feels effortless, then I did my job.  I mean, I am a professional.  I know what I’m doing.
Up Next: He’ll star as a hitman completing one last assignment in Italy in The American (Out Sept 1), based on Martin Booth’s 2004 novel A Very Private Gentleman. — Dave Karger

Nick praises “Up in the Air” Performance

AUGUSTA — Augusta native and international film star George Clooney is heading for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Awards, again.

Clooney was nominated Tuesday for a best actor Oscar trophy for his work in the movie “Up in the Air,” in which he plays a frequent flyer junkie, traveling first class while crossing the country as a corporate axe man to downsize companies.

Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, a former news broadcaster and columnist, is proud of his son and his performances.

George’s mother Nina Clooney, Kentucky Film Commission chairperson, attended the Hollywood premier of “Up in the Air” with George and later viewed it with Nick.

“It was a great and subtle performance,” Nick Clooney said on Tuesday after learning of the nomination. “(George) keeps growing as an actor. It was a stunning performance by him and the other actors.”

A graduate of Augusta High School, George Clooney broadened his acting resume from reoccurring roles in television situation comedies to the heart-throb surgeon on the medical drama “ER.”

Entering motion pictures, Clooney quickly established himself as a leading man.

People magazine labeled him “The Sexiest Man Alive” twice.

Clooney’s versatility and an adventurous nature has continued to bring his acting, and directing ventures acclaim.

“Most of us, in our careers, achieve a plateau where we are comfortable staying. We settle into what is comfortable,” Nick Clooney said. “George is always stretching the limits and taking chances. In that way he continues to grow.”

Read more from the Source

Magazine: Apollo (Belgium)

Belgium has a new entertainment magazine out this month featuring an interview with George.  Here’s an excerpt from the site and hopefully soon we will have a full scan and translation thanks to Atalante!

And how’s the Sexiest Man Alive with the pressure of an Oscar season?
George Clooney: “That’s not so bad.  Four years ago I already won one for my role in Syriana, which was more than I had counted on in my life.  I can now just concentrate on my work, and if people think that I have something to earn, they should above all not imply. But actually I have a love-hate relationship with the Oscar season. In recent years everyone will be price beasts late December, because December 31 is the deadline for nominations to be. But if they could, they would only films that the Oscars the night before release, and just advanced screenings for the voters to keep as many nominations as possible to win.  In other words: the campaigns of those films are completely suspended from the Oscar Buzz who hangs around. It is almost impossible to be more like “movies” to go see. They are immediately labeled “Oscar candidate” , without having been given the chance, simply because of their themes or good word of mouth, to find an audience.  I think it unfair to the makers of those films. ”

Do you not just annoying that you often need to include yourself.
Clooney: “That too, yes. (Laughs) Okay, I admit it: it is actually above that.  The winter months lend themselves to more film lovers to bring in the halls. You would be silly for a movie Up in the Air in the middle of the summer release, along with Transformers and Harry Potter.  A miscreant has done that once with Out of Sight (the sublime adaptation of Elmore Leonard, his good friend Steven Soderbergh, ed).  After three weeks we were all over the halls.  Come to think: perhaps the situation is so bad. ” (Laughs)

Up in the Air is, next Avatar course, tipped as the big favorite for the Oscars. The film is about a lonely man who prefers all his time in an airplane spends in the hope of ever ten million frequent flyer miles to collect. Do you have to fight for that role?

Clooney: ‘The way you suggested, they would rather have me have to beg for participating! Fortunately, both the movie and the role a little more nuanced than the synopsis. The real important thing is that the man was gradually finds out he has not always twenty or thirty may continue. Whether you like it or not, things change as you get older. You get a different perspective on life, and pick-up line that worked two years ago, is suddenly very wrong or even just become pathetic. I do not like to admit, but as I read the script, I’ve often been thinking: “Hey, this is recognizable.”

Thanks to Atalante for posting this in the CNCU Forum!

Source

Kissing King George!

George Clooney is a “great” kisser.

The Hollywood heartthrob stars in ‘Up In The Air’ with Vera Farmiga and the actress has joked her main motivation for accepting the role was the chance to get close to George as his on screen love interest.

She said: “Of course the role was great, the script had wonderful dialogues – but hey, I’m a girl and my main motivation to accept the role was the fact I got to dance with George Clooney!

“George is a great kisser. Very gentle, not aggressive – I have to stop now or else my husband will get mad. It’s like being on a first date when you kiss George Clooney.”

Although she loved working with George, Vera insists the 48-year-old actor was no match in the kissing department for her husband Renn Hawkey – with who she has a 12-month-old son, Fyn.

She added to website Skip: “My husband is the best kisser in the world anyway! He’s just mind-blowing! George can’t keep up with that. But of course he asked me how it was with George, and I lied.”

Source

Vanity Fair Top 40 Moneymakers

George made Vanity Fair Top 40 moneymakers for 2009 Coming in at 29 with an estimated earning of 22 million

29 George Clooney (CAA)

• Estimated 2009 earnings: $22 million
  • $10 million: Up in the Air (fee for starring)
  • $5 million: Fees for appearing in foreign commercials, royalties from older films, other revenue
  • $4.5 million: The Men Who Stare at Goats (back end, based on worldwide gross of $44 million; Clooney took no up-front fee, but got a now-rare first-dollar gross deal)
  • $2.5 million: The American (fee for starring in and producing upcoming spy thriller)

More from the 2009 Chad Visit

Nicholas D. Kristof  has added pics of himself and George during their 2009 visit to Chad.  I’ve added the ones of George to the Gallery but please visit Nicholas Facebook to see additional shots from Chad

Thanks to Atalante for posting this find in the CNCU Forum

Candids from Germany and Sweden

George Clooney – surprise guest in the Hotel Nikko Düsseldorf

A breathtaking surprise for the female hotel nikko staff and guests: Hollywood-Beau George Clooney met one of his managers for dinner in the Benkay restaurant of the hotel nikko düsseldorf at 1st of February. The U.S. filmstar was impressed by the “beautiful hotel” and the “delicious food” and let general manager Bertold Reul know that he will return. “A very likeable person without any airs and graces”, stated Reul, who was in contrary to the ladies of the house, not close to fainting when he stood next to him for taking the picture. For aperitif Clooney had a glass of Champagne followed by the “menu Japan” with suhsi, sashimi, tempura and sirloinsteak accompanied by cold sake. Source

Thanks to Andy, Lilalucy and Laetval for posting this in the CNCU Forum!

Additional Candids were added from Sweden (Jan 28) as well.

New Interview from France-Soir

France-Soir has published this exclusive interview with George that reads more like a quick red-carpet interview. Translation by Google

Casual and full of humor, George Clooney, the most popular actor of the moment could be nominated for Oscars.

Beverly Hills, in a lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel, George Clooney arrives in the rain to our rendezvous a few minutes before the ceremony the Golden Globe Awards.  Smoking rigor, who was nominated this year among the best performers, thanks to his performance in In the Air, has not failed to bring with him his beautiful Italian Elisabetta Canalis.  “Frankly, it is not beautiful?” He said, stroking with a gesture of complicity in the nose of his girlfriend.  Since he fell under the spell of this lovely brunette, Mr. Clooney is smiling again. Exclusive, he confides in France-Soir.

FRANCE-SOIR.  In your new film, In the Air, you play the role of a man who spends his time in airplanes and hotel rooms. The fiction joined this time for you, just the reality, right?

GEORGE CLOONEY. Yes, I must admit that that I embody the character in In the air touched me personally because there are undoubtedly some similarities between this role and my privacy.  What touched me in this film, it does embody a man who, through selfishness, has totally lost touch with reality. Finally, his taste for independence will play tricks on him and he will start to open their eyes to the real world.

Your character is completely disconnected from his family.  Are you close to yours?
It’s very strange because the more I’m getting older, the closer I get to my parents and my family in general. I feel more and more need to be at their sides. My father has become my best friend and chief confidant.

From simple B-series player, you have changed the status of Hollywood legend.  Today, in show business, everybody listens to you.  How do you explain this phenomenon?

It’s simple. Everything changed the day I bought the villa in Lake Como.Since I have this house in Italy, coincidentally, all the Hollywood stars want to be friends with me.  Brad Pitt refused to speak to me and now bows when I approached him! Matt Damon is almost ready to sell her body just to set foot in my house. I really have no merit. They are friends with me just by pure interest.

Speaking of Italy, you seem really happy today with your Italian girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis …

Yes, right now, it’s la dolce vita. I see only by Italy and I can now travel on Air Italia (laughter).  I am extremely happy and I just try to enjoy the moment.

There is talk of a possible marriage.  Is this the case?

Why, when I’m with someone, people want to join immediately on two things: a wedding and a baby. For now, Elisabetta and I take great pleasure in being together. This is an extremely intelligent person who has the most down to earth.

What is the secret to his successful Hollywood life as a couple?

I think it is very difficult for an actor to get his love life, not because of external temptations but because of time requested for himself. To succeed in Hollywood, he must above all be damned selfish. Now that I have reached a certain level in my career, I want to take care of others. It is time that I quit to concentrate on my own little person, but to invest myself to others.

Under your jovial, they say you are an incredible anguish.

Absolutely.  That’s probably why I have to follow a lifelong treatment to cure my stomach ulcers. Besides, it reminds me that I must take my medicine. Bye.

Another Day of Filming in Sweden

More pics from filming and a few articles about both days in Sweden.

Clooney’s breakfast: printed peach

George Clooney upload for today’s recordings
Rådvillt Clooney gazing out over the breakfast offering. Today’s first goal is important.

On the schedule today is once again many hours of recording. Among the morning tired breakfast guests are the world’s sexiest man and pick up bread slices. Yesterday evening was quiet for the actor. After recording FREQUENCY end loomed the hotel room and presented to all the bed. Clooney was not the only one to be operable by the day. The brave souls from the recording team could manage a post-work beer sat in the hotel bar and yawned loudly. The cold weather bites.

Tired Morning Star
George Clooney and his assistant showed up at the buffet breakfast at eight o’clock. Having scanned through the range decided to Clooney: Two eggs, two slices of bread, pickled peaches, yogurt and jucie.

The humble actor is possibly a little tired tomorrow.

- I’m sorry, “he says and shakes his head when trying to Amusement blade a few words with him.
- We must go and work now, “says his assistant.

Shortly before nine goes to George Clooney on the recording site.

Source

George Clooney’s wild snowball fight

ÖSTERSUND. An action-packed first day – with a fun healthy George Clooney in great spirits. The Swedish part of the great movie “The American” has begun.

- Everyone is excited and happy and loves Östersund, “says Moa Westeson, producer of the Swedish film industry.

Clooney: We all have a responsibility
January 21, 2010
Artists queuing up to play in Haiti Clooney-gala.

The snow-covered road to Brunflo winds long and dreary. During the E14 a few mil from Östersund, just outside Brunflo, highlighting Sing Sea out in all its frozen glory.

A few kilometers out on the ice, when a small red cottage, is a hive of activity from early morning: film cameras carried around, security guards circulating spot on scooters and a bunch of staff are instructed by an eager foreman.

Weigh 741 and 726 are closed off from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon and shivering guardian registering the slightest attempt to defy the roadblocks.

“Do not come closer”

Expressen’s mission is in the middle of the ice some fifty meters from the recording site with a bunch of curious. Soon approaching a scooter with two guards.

- You’re welcome to stay here but came no closer, “says one.

From the lookout in the middle of the lake is overseeing the recording just fine – and soon will also superstar George Clooney in person the entrance.

In a good mood

In a good mood. ? Come on now, so we play snowball fight? … Photo: Suvad Mrkonjic In just over three hours of recordings being made a scene in which Clooney ran hand in hand with what looks like the Italian actress Violante Placido over the snow. The scene is heard as two high bangs, probably sound effects to imagine a gun shot.

George Clooney seems to be really good mood – and between takes, he tries to start the snowball fight with the frozen colleagues.

Around 15:40 the team packs up for the day.

Moa Westeson, producer of the Swedish film industry, was in place during the recording. She summarizes the day of glorious superlatives.

- Everyone is very satisfied and happy. It is super people up here and everyone loves Östersund.
Are not you nervous about the day’s recordings, now that SMHI warns of a blizzard and issued class two warning?

- We are not at all worried. We will get by just fine. It is an incredibly professional team we have up here, she replied without the slightest thought.

How long the recordings are in progress, she refuses to reveal. “Then I might as well tell you where Clooney live somewhere,” she says jokingly.

“Clooney Fever”

Whole Östersund Clooney is suffering from fever – the whisper and tassles on the star and his action-spectacle in Brunflo in every street corner.

And at the Clarion Grand Hotel, where parts of the film crew lives are security pådraget about the size of the Sing Sea off Brunflo: an entire floor is off the foyer and one patrol Securitas guard.

But the question whether it is great excitement at the hotel now that Clooney is here respond hotel receptionist with a questioning look.
- He lives not here, “she says

Source

The snow did not stop Clooney

Clooney plays professional killer Jack in “The American”, which is partly set in Jämtland Sing Sea. During the recordings yesterday chased the star of the film crew: “Okay, here we go,” he cried.
Director Anton Corbijn was shot by snowmobile.

Back Join Aftonbladet Snack and start blogging star recording of “Sing Sea today, despite the impending storm Ostersund. If George Clooney had to train their leg muscles by snöpulsning yesterday he could double the hard workouts today.

SMHI predicts snowstorm.

7.00 am today is “The American” team regardless of the weather to appear on the recording site in Östersund.  On the recording schedule for the day are scenes on the ice at Sing Sea.  About SMHI predicts the right offer Östersund in a big snowstorm. But the film crew has a backup plan.

- Some scenes on board a ferry and indoors, they do it tomorrow if it snows, “said a source within the film crew to Amusement blade.

“Hard cold” Shooting team, with Clooney in the lead, hoping to comfort nonetheless, in not too much snow and cold.

- If the temperature drops, oh, it will hurt. Today was okay, but when it began to obscure it was hard cold. Should it really be colder? It will kill us, “continues Amusement blade source.

The film “The American”, which mostly takes place in Italy, is on the final straight of the recordings. The Swedish scenes are few and recorded for a total of six days. Yesterday, Clooney trudged through the woods in a hunting scene. Also gun shots were heard from the site.

Clooney took tones

Protagonist George Clooney has also worked as a director and took a joke and authoritarian tone when it was time to start filming:

- Okay, let’s do this, “he said and clapped his hands.

Parts of Clooney’s gang are already familiar with the locals at the pub O’Learys.  Moa Westeson, producer of SF, says that everyone is happy with Östersund. She continues to pour praise on the team in any weather incur winter boots and continue filming today.

- We have a very competent team. No snowstorms affecting them, “she says

Source

Safety annoys guests at the hotel

Seems the productiond company may be going a little over board in their security methods.  According to local guest at the Clarion Hotel Grand things are a little difficult when trying to manuever around the hotel.  Security it seems is standing on guard at the elevators with list in hand and if your name is not on it.  Forget it.  Your not going up. Not to mention the time it takes to check off the names. Hotel Guest are left waiting while the guard confirms their reservation.

Journalists at the Jämtland private recording site were sent packing but it didn’t stop at the public line. They were put in their car and told to leave the road.  According to an officer at Jämtland police there is no basis for such behavior, you can not forbid people to go down a public road.

Source

Thanks to Laetval for posting these in the CNCU Forum! Articles are translated from Original Souce

More Pics of George filming in Sweden

Here’s a few more pics from the set of “The American” yesterday