United Kingdom, July 6 -- George Clooney will receive the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

The Jay Kelly actor hailed it a "tremendous honour" to be recognised with the lifetime achievement at the event but joked the accolade is a sign he's getting "old".

George, 65, said in a statement: "I've had so many extraordinary moments in Venice. This festival is without question my favourite and to be given the Golden Lion is a tremendous honour. It also probably means I'm old, but I'll take it."

Festival bosses declared actor-and-director George is being honoured as a "a perfect combination of the star glamour of days gone by, remarkable professionalism, and modern sensitivity".

Director Alberto Barbera said: "In his triple capacity ...