A sinus infection has sidelined George Clooney during his anticipated return to the Venice International Film Festival.

The two-time Academy Award winner dropped out of a string of major appearances at this 82nd annual event, which kicked off Wednesday on the barrier island of Lido.

“George has been diagnosed with a sinus infection and is under doctor’s orders to cut back all activities today,” Clooney’s rep confirmed Thursday.

The 64-year-old actor and director didn’t attend the press junket for “ Jay Kelly, ” his latest film directed by Noah Baumbach , and also skipped out on a high-profile dinner with co-stars Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Emily Mortimer and Billy Crudup.

Clooney reportedly arrived in Venice by boat on Tuesday with his wife, Amal, but also missed the official pr

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