George Clooney: another award, and a Neil Diamond serenade

By Matt Donnelly

Sept. 13, 2012 12 AM PT

Let’s face it: George Clooney is a pro at accepting awards.

While he didn’t take home the lead actor Oscar this year for his turn in “The Descendants,” there’s plenty of charitable things that keep the actor busy when he’s not at work, and the Carousel of Hope gala is taking note. By giving him an award.

Clooney will receive the Brass Ring honor at the 26th Carousel of Hope charity gala, presented by philanthropist Barbara Davis and Mercedes-Benz, on Oct. 20.

Celebrating Clooney for “outstanding artistic achievements and unprecedented humanitarian undertakings,” most notably his advocacy for a resolution in Darfur, the affair will take place at the Beverly Hilton hotel.

A bigger surprise, and just as lovely a piece for his mantle: Neil Diamond has joined the performers lineup for the event, one that already boasts Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.

The gala benefits the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, which has raised over $75 million for research and care.

Congrats, Mr. Clooney, we’ll see you there.

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