Los Angeles, Sept. 3 -- George Clooney used the stage at the Venice Film Festival to speak about the power of art and storytelling, while also aiming at people who use fear to divide others.

According to Variety, the Oscar-winning actor was honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the festival's opening ceremony on Wednesday. Clooney, who has spent nearly five decades in the film industry, began his speech with a joke about receiving the honour.

Speaking about the award, Clooney said, "You know, when they tell you that you're gonna be getting a lifetime achievement award, there are really two things that come to mind. The first is what an incredible honor this is. And then the second is, uh, do they know something that ...