Movie star George Clooney criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced overseas, calling it the wrong fix for a real industry problem. Clooney made the remarks Friday before the annual Albies awards ceremony, where he addressed Trump’s claim that Hollywood jobs are leaving California.
“Trump is right that movie industry jobs are leaving,” Clooney said, “but it’s because we don’t have proper tax incentives or rebates like you do in New York.” The actor argued that tariffs would only damage international filmmaking and distribution, while stronger federal incentives could actually bring production back to the U.S. “If he wants to implement a federal incentive, that would match the kinds of incentives we get in Louisiana and New Jersey and New York, then I think that would make a big difference,” Clooney added.
The Albies, which honor individuals advancing justice and human rights, recognized several global figures this year. Among them was philanthropist Melinda French Gates, honored for decades of work on women’s health and gender equality. Marty Baron, former editor of both the Washington Post and the Boston Globe, received recognition for his leadership in journalism. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, was honored for launching a billion-dollar social bond during the COVID-19 pandemic to stabilize struggling nonprofits.
Other honorees included Fatou Baldeh, an outspoken global advocate against female genital mutilation, and José Rubén Zamora, a Guatemalan journalist who has spent over 30 years investigating corruption.
Clooney, who co-founded the Albies with his wife Amal Clooney, said the event’s mission was to celebrate courage in the face of repression — whether in film, journalism, or global activism. But his comments on Trump’s tariff threat ensured that Hollywood’s future also became part of the night’s conversation.
