Health concerns may well have kept him away from press conferences and photo-calls, but nothing could keep George Clooney away from the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday evening. 

The Hollywood star was once again supported – and inevitably upstaged – by his glamorous wife Amal in the city they famously married in, this time to promote his coming of age drama Jay Kelly.

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a ‘serious’ sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours.

The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go.’

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.

At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: ‘I can’t speak!’

George Clooney was supported by glamorous wife Amal at the Venice Film Festival premiere of his movie Jay Kelly on Thursday evening

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a ‘serious’ sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours

He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.

Meanwhile Amal claimed the spotlight, with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail.

Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels.

She further accessorised with a gold clutch bag and dangly earring as she linked arms with her husband.

George was absent from a press conference for his new film, Jay Kelly on Thursday due to a ‘serious sinus infection’.

The actor, 64, unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach’s competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film’s cast and crew.

The conference moderator announced his absence at the photocall, saying: ‘I’m afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.’

Adam Sandler added: ‘Movie stars get sick too’, before Laura Dern chimed in: ‘George is so devastated that he can’t be here.’

Amal claimed the spotlight, with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail

In one cheeky snap George was seen grabbing Adam’s bottom as the pair joked around

Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with silver strappy heels

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet

George was joined by his co-stars Riley Keough, Adam and Emily Mortimer

Packing on the PDA he kissed his wife’s hand in a romantic gesture

The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with his wife Amal

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet

At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: ‘I can’t speak!’

George was seen chatting with his co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern

Adam winked and flashed a peace sign up at the crowds

Laura Dern caught the eye in a quirky green dress with a black barbed wire-esque overlay

The actress made a rare appearance with her daughter Jaya Harper

She posed with Jaya and Emily Mortimer (R) and her daughter May Nivola

The pair posed together in their matching suits and bow ties

Adam pulled a funny face as he posed for a shot taken by George

Billy Crudup and his wife Naomi Watts posed together

The actress, 56, wowed in a nude mesh dress adorned with sequined flowers

She kissed her husband on the cheek as they put on a loved up appearance

Riley opted for a brown plunging blouse and light peach coloured skirt

The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go ‘home’ and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which includes the world premiere of the film.

George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.

They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who ‘always plays himself’.

Directed by Gerwig’s husband Noah, the trailer sees George’s character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.

On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam, he’s hailed as the ‘hero of cinema’ before being brutally asked about always playing himself.

As they exited their car he asked her: ‘Are you OK?’ and then said: ‘OK, let’s go’

George looked to be beside himself as he laughed at a joke while resting his head on Adam’s shoulder

George beamed despite his recent health issues which caused him to take some time off

Adam was joined by his wife Jackie and their daughters Sunny and Sadie

Sadie wore a strapless white gown, while Sadie opted for a black floaty dress and Sunny wore a white halter neck

Shailene Woodley put on a very leggy display in a tiny black mini dress

Eve Hewson and her mother Ali Hewson both opted for all black ensembles for the evening

Eve brought the drama in a black sequined gown complete with mesh detailing

There were plenty of kisses on the red carpet

Ted Sarandos, Nicole Avant, Adam, George, Laura and Riley (L-R)

The pair looked fully loved up

American producer Scott Stuber and his wife Molly Sims attended together

The model wowed in a bejewelled nude gown and silk shawl

Alba Rohrwacher opted for a bold royal blue satin gown which she paired with platform black heels

Amal’s dress flowed behind her in a dramatic train

George attempted to keep the skirt down as it blew in the wind

Adam couldn’t help giving the peace sign

To which George’s character snaps back: ‘You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.’

Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is ‘Jay Kelly’ as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.

The official synopsis reads: ‘Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.

‘Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they’ve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they’ll leave behind.’