BOSTON - George Clooney praised producer Jerry Weintraub as a good friend, then presented the maker of "Ocean's Eleven" and its sequels with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a Boston Film Festival tribute dinner.

"He is more than the consummate producer, he is one of the greatest friends you could ever have," Clooney, who starred in the film franchise, said Saturday while presenting the award at the Intercontinental Hotel.

The 23rd Boston Film Festival opened Friday with John Cusack's film, "Grace is Gone." Previous festivals honored William H. Macy, Susan Sarandon and Jeff Bridges.

Weintraub, 69, said he was happy Clooney was on hand to present the award.

"I'm starting the second half of my life, so it is nice to get it now," Weintraub said.

The Boston Film Festival runs through Sept. 21.