Clooney, pictured here with girlfriend Stacy Keibler, is up for lead actor for his work in "The Descendants," which is also nominated for best picture. He said he had the sense it was "going to be a pretty big French night," referring to "The Artist."

"And I'm all right with it, because I really like the film. I would love if Brad [Pitt] won. That would be great."

Meanwhile, the actor, who has been an academy member since 2006, said he was hopeful the organization would become more diverse. "That'd be a good idea, don't ya think?" he joked." I think it represents almost every -- directors in Hollywood, as well. It represents not just Hollywood. You can look at the Senate and it's roughly the same thing. I don't think to diversify is ever a bad idea."

But how does the group actually make change happen?

"It's a tricky thing, because you actually have to open it up to more, as opposed to trying to keep people out. Instead of taking their cards away," he explained.