American actor George Clooney and his wife Amal, a British-Lebanese human rights lawyer, have been granted French citizenship, along with their two sons, French authorities confirmed.
The nationality was awarded by decree, a legal mechanism allowing the state to grant citizenship in exceptional circumstances.
The announcement has drawn attention not only because of the couple’s international profile, but also because it comes at a sensitive moment for France’s immigration and naturalisation policy.
Since January 1, the government has tightened conditions for obtaining French nationality, particularly in relation to language proficiency and civic knowledge.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez welcomed the decision, saying the Clooneys’ strong ties to France and their international standing made the move “perfectly coherent” with French law. He emphasised that citizenship by decree is a long-established practice used sparingly and legally.
However, the move has also sparked political controversy. The deputy interior minister publicly criticised what he described as “double standards,” questioning whether ordinary applicants would be treated with the same flexibility.
Opposition politicians and some civil society groups echoed those concerns, arguing that the case highlights inequalities within the naturalisation system.
George Clooney, 64, has maintained close links to France for several years. He owns property in the south of the country and has frequently spoken about his appreciation for French culture, privacy protections and quality of life.
Amal Clooney, 47, is a prominent international lawyer who has worked extensively on human rights cases in Europe and before international courts.
Under French law, citizenship by decree can be granted to individuals who are considered to bring exceptional benefit or influence to the country, or who demonstrate a special attachment to France.
Unlike standard naturalisation, the process does not always require long residency periods or standardised language tests, though applicants are still assessed by the state.
The timing of the announcement has intensified debate because France recently introduced stricter naturalisation measures. These include higher French-language requirements and more demanding civic exams, reforms aimed at reinforcing “republican integration,” according to the government.
Critics argue that while the state insists on tougher standards for most applicants, high-profile figures appear to bypass these hurdles. Supporters counter that citizenship by decree represents a separate legal pathway and has always existed for exceptional cases.
Neither George nor Amal Clooney has commented publicly on the political debate. In a brief statement through representatives, the family expressed gratitude to France and said they were “honoured” to become French citizens.
As France continues to grapple with questions of identity, integration and immigration, the Clooneys’ new nationality has become more than a celebrity story. It has turned into a symbol of the broader national conversation over fairness, privilege and what it means to become French in 2026.