GEORGE CLOONEY - NERVOUS CLOONEY SUFFERS SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Academy Awards winner GEORGE CLOONEY was shattered before the Oscars last night (05MAR06) - because the countdown to the big night turned him into an insomniac. The actor/director is glad the big night is over because now he hopes to rest. Clooney admits he's had restless nights ever since he learned he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (SYRIANA), Best Screenplay and Best Director (GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK) prizes. But, despite longing to hold a trophy, the actor reveals the thought of making a thank you speech has taken its toll on him. Speaking on the red carpet, Clooney said, "I'm so excited as it's the first time ever I've been up for such prestigious awards but I'm finding it hard to sleep. "You keep thinking about getting up there and making that speech." Clooney made one of the best acceptance speeches when he paid tribute to his peers for putting political and social issues on the big screen.