The first people authoritarian forces try to silence are not politicians. They are journalists who ask questions, artists who refuse to settle for easy answers, filmmakers, writers, actors and musicians. We live in a time when those in power and those with the most money urge us to fear each other. Stories are always dangerous for those who feed on fear.
Clooney received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement, and the citation emphasises the actor's remarkable professionalism.
The Venice Film Festival is held between September 2 and 12.
