George Clooney turns 51 George Clooney turns 51 Some things (and people) just get better with age. George Clooney, for example. The charit...

George Clooney turns 51

George Clooney turns 51

Some things (and people) just get better with age.

George Clooney, for example.

The charitable Descendants star, who turned the big 5-1 today, wrapped up a monumental milestone year chock full of awards-show accolades, humanitarian efforts and strong political statements.

And it doesn't look like he's slowing down any time soon.

To say the least, it's been quite the 365 days for Clooney—and we're not just talking career-wise.

Shortly after his 50th birthday, the seasoned thesp was back on the market after an "amicable split" with Italian actress/model Elisabetta Canalis in late June.

But, before too many ladies could get excited about the prospect of a single-again Clooney, the actor coupled up again, canoodling with Dancing With the Stars alum Stacey Keibler in September.

While the pair tried to keep their romance under wraps at first, they made their red carpet debut in October, showing up arm-in-arm at Clooney's Descendants premiere in NYC.

And Clooney's newfound relationship with Keibler wasn't the only thing sizzling.

The Academy Award-winning actor found himself back in the midst of awards show fodder for his roles in The Ides of March and The Descendants.

While he didn't snap up an Oscar this year (Clooney was nominated for best actor for The Descendants and for best adapted screenplay for The Ides of March), the twice-over "Sexiest Man Alive" was considered the frontrunner of this year's awards season, snapping up a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe award, among many other accolades.

After awards season came to an end, we saw Clooney re-focus on humanitarian and political efforts.

In March, the actor testified against violence and human-rights abuses in Sudan, and went on to get arrested after demanding humanitarian aid for the African country outside of the Sudanese Embassy in Washington D.C.

Then, after hobnobbing with the press, politicians and other celebs at the White House Correspondents' dinner in April, Clooney is expected to raise a whopping $12 million for President Barack Obama's re-election campaign May 10.

Not a shabby way to ring in a 51st birthday, if we do say so ourselves.