VENICE, Italy (AP) — Few Hollywood stars are as intrinsically connected to Venice as George Clooney. His long-standing relationship with the city is evident through numerous significant events that have unfolded there over the years. Clooney made his first appearance at the Venice Film Festival in 1998 with the premiere of the iconic film “Out of Sight.” Over the years, he showcased his filmmaking prowess, debuting his second film “Good Night, and Good Luck” in 2006, which garnered him his first nomination for Best Director. Notably, 11 years ago, Clooney exchanged vows with Amal Alamuddin at the luxurious Aman Venice hotel, further solidifying his ties to this picturesque locale.

This year, Clooney returns to the Lido with Noah Baumbach's “Jay Kelly,” portraying a middle-aged movie star traveling through Europe accompanied by his manager, played by Adam Sandler. Additionally, his longtime friend and frequent co-star Julia Roberts is making her Venice debut with the film “After the Hunt.”

A look back at Clooney’s most memorable moments in Venice reveals a compelling narrative of his career and personal milestones. In 1998, during the festival of “Out of Sight,” Clooney was promoting alongside Jennifer Lopez while preparing for a significant career shift by leaving the television show “ER.” This marked the beginning of his deep affinity for the city that he describes as one of the most beautiful in the world.

His appearances continued with the 2003 premiere of “Intolerable Cruelty,” a Coen Brothers film that showcased his rising star power in Italy, already renowned as a celebrity among locals. A profile from that year emphasized the peculiarity of an American actor becoming an icon in Italy, despite not being fluent in the local language.

In 2005, “Good Night and Good Luck” marked another highlight when it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion at the 62nd Venice Film Festival, securing six Academy Award nominations. Clooney’s time there inspired cocktails, such as the Buona Notte, crafted by his friend Walter Bolzonella at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani.

The year 2007 saw Clooney receive an Oscar nomination for his performance in “Michael Clayton,” which played in competition. In 2008, he returned to Venice with “Burn After Reading,” another Coen Brothers film, opening the festival that year. Echoing past sentiments, Clooney humorously suggested they completed a “trilogy of idiots,” a remark that resonated during the film's publicity.

In 2011, alongside his role in “The Ides of March,” Clooney was frequently addressed about current political dilemmas, displaying his tendency to engage in essential discourse amid entertainment. Later, in 2013, he attended the premiere of “Gravity,” which won seven Oscars, where he jokingly remarked about the limited parts available in the film. Clooney’s presence continued to attract media attention, solidifying his position as a beloved public figure.

Clooney’s personal life took center stage in 2014 when he married Amal Alamuddin. The couple exchanged vows in front of a star-studded guest list, marking a celebratory moment in Clooney’s life. The Venice canals were filled with paparazzi, capturing one of Hollywood's most cherished couples as they began their life together.

His return in 2017 with “Suburbicon” represented a dual focus on his roles as a director and a new father, as the couple had welcomed twins earlier that year. Fast forward to 2023, Clooney made a spirited appearance alongside Amal, who was recognized at the Diane von Furstenberg Awards for her human rights work. Their presence at the festival exemplified the allure of celebrity amid the ongoing actors' strike.

In 2024, Clooney reunited with Brad Pitt for the film “Wolfs,” which played out of competition. However, the media's focus was overshadowed by off-screen drama involving limited theatrical releases and Clooney's public stance on political matters, calling attention to the challenges faced by presidential hopefuls.

Each appearance at the Venice Film Festival marks a pivotal moment in Clooney's illustrious career and highlights his profound connection to this enchanting city, which continues to captivate him both personally and professionally.