Pallade Veneta - Clooney turns AFP photographer in jokey red carpet switch

After receiving the Golden Lion on Wednesday, the US star posed in front of a crowd of photographers with his actress friend Laura Dern on the red carpet.

He then walked over to Fabi, an AFP photographer who covers major entertainment, sporting and political events for the international news agency's Rome bureau.

"I give you the Lion," he told her, then said: "I take the picture".

Images of the moment -- and of Clooney's picture of a smiling Fabi holding up the award -- spread widely on social media.

"I don't know why he chose me," Fabi said of her close encounter with the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker.

"I was pretty surprised and, at first, a bit annoyed. He just put the award on my lap and took my camera!" she said.

Fabi said Clooney thanked her profusely as he gave back the camera and Dern told her: "Congratulations!"

Clooney had arrived for the start of the Venice festival -- the world's oldest -- on Wednesday and posed with photographers covering the glamorous Italian showcase.

He had also received an honour from the Venice photographers' association, posing with the paparazzi and taking some snaps with the camera of another photographer from Italy's ANSA news agency.

Fabi said she was amazed at Clooney's handiness with a professional camera.

"He took four photos and they were all in focus! They were perfect photos. Maybe we should hire him?"

O.Pileggi--PV