Brad Pitt rescues soaking fan from lake at 65th annual Venice Film Festival, picks up Best Actor trophy from '07

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Brad Pitt became a hero yesterday at the 65th annual Venice Film Festival after he saved a young fan from falling into a lake.

The star was happily signing autographs for a group of young fans on a boat – but one overwhelmed teen tripped and fell into the water. Pitt acted quickly and grabbed the youngster out of the water and out of harm’s way before he then continued to sign his book. The rescued youngster certainly won't forget why he is a Brad fan.

Brad Pitt and George Clooney came to the Festival for the world premiere of "Burn After Reading" from Oscar winners Joel and Ethan Coen. They were joined there by the Coen brothers, along with co-stars Tilda Swinton and Frances McDormand.

Earlier in the day, the Pitt and Clooney show provided some laughs at the "Reading" presser, as the two stars traded gibes about their all-too-public personal lives. "I am so surprised to hear that question. That is honestly the first time I have been asked that," Clooney said when asked when he plans to settle down like his co-star. "I am getting married and having a child today." Pitt, whose family has grown to six children with the birth of twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline last month, offered to share his children with Clooney, deadpanning: "I'll have two more by next year."

A stunned Pitt also picked up his best actor trophy that he was awarded for last year’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Pitt was unable to accept the prize until this year's ceremony.

“I guess you forgot something here years ago,” said the mistress of ceremonies Wednesday at the Venice International Film Festival. Holding up the gold cup to honor Pitt’s performance in the film, she said, “Brad, this is yours.”

“Congratulations for your twins,” she also told Pitt as she handed him the trophy. Pitt looked surprised as he walked up onstage. “You can run but you can’t hide,” he said laughing. “It was an honor to receive this last year and it’s an honor to receive it this year. Thank you very much.” The mistress of ceremonies then held up a yellow flower. “This is for your friend George,” she told Pitt referring to George Clooney, his Burn After Reading costar.

The Venice festival runs through Sept. 6.

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Photos courtesy of CelebSpin, Reuters/Max Rossi, and contactmusic.com

Original Source: EntertainmentWise, CelebSpin and Hollywood Reporter

Related Article: BBC News - Reporter's log: Venice 2008