Brad Pitt Praises George Clooney as an Actor, Athlete and 'Global Citizen' — But Warns: 'Keep Him Off the Dance Floor'

Brad Pitt had plenty of praise for longtime pal George Clooney as the Hollywood icon received a major career honor — but he couldn't resist roasting him in the process.

Clooney, 65, received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday, September 2. Though Pitt, 62, couldn't attend the ceremony, he sent a heartfelt — and hilarious — message that Laura Dern read while presenting the award.

Pitt began his tribute by acknowledging that there's seemingly little his longtime friend can't do.

"He can do, perform, accomplish, compete at most anything and does it better than any of us," Pitt said.

There is, however, one exception.

"Please, keep him off the dance floor," the F1 star joked. "He doesn't know."

Pitt continued to playful roast by referring to Clooney as a "pigeon-toed kid from Kentucky" who has transformed into one of Hollywood's most respected figures.

The jokes quickly gave way to a touching tribute as Pitt explained exactly why Clooney has remained so beloved throughout his decades in the spotlight.

"He's a rogue, a prankster, an altruist, an actor, an athlete," Pitt said.

He also called Clooney the person "you'd want in a crisis," as well as a devoted father and husband, a "global citizen" and a "defender of justice."

Of course, Pitt couldn't end without one final dig, adding that his friend is also "a really bad dancer."

Dern had plenty of praise of her own for Clooney while presenting him with the prestigious honor.

She celebrated her Jay Kelly costar as an actor, writer, filmmaker, producer and activist, while describing him as a man of deep "humanity and integrity."

Clooney has received eight Academy Award nominations and won twice — Best Supporting Actor for Syriana and Best Picture as one of the producers of Argo.

While accepting his Golden Lion, Clooney joked that receiving a lifetime achievement award made him wonder whether organizers knew "something that I don't." He also used the moment to reflect on his 45-year career and the importance of storytelling.

Pitt and Clooney's playful exchange is nothing new for the longtime friends.

The pair first shared the screen in 2001's Ocean's Eleven as Rusty Ryan and Danny Ocean, respectively, before returning for Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen.

They've also collaborated on Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Burn After Reading, IF and 2024's Wolfs.

Their friendship has included plenty of practical jokes over the years, including teaming up to cover Ocean's Eleven costar Julia Roberts' hotel door in shaving cream.

Even decades into their friendship, Pitt apparently hasn't run out of material to use against Clooney.

Clooney previously revealed that both actors made it to the final stages of consideration for the role of J.D. in 1991's Thelma & Louise.

Pitt ultimately landed the part, which became his breakout role, and Clooney admitted his friend still gives him a hard time about beating him out for it.

After watching Pitt's performance, however, Clooney couldn't argue with the decision.

"Well, it had to be that guy," he recalled thinking.

The longtime friends may soon have another opportunity to trade insults on set: Pitt and Clooney are expected to reunite for Ocean's 14, with production reportedly set to begin in October.