This week, Anna Kendrick embarked on a nostalgic journey, heaping praise upon her 2009 "Up in the Air" co-star, George Clooney. "He's the epitome of a capital G, George, and he goes above and beyond to make you forget that fact, putting you at ease," shared the "Pitch Perfect" sensation, reflecting on her acting endeavors alongside Clooney. During an interview with CNN's Chris Wallace, Kendrick reminisced about her time filming scenes with Clooney in "Up in the Air," a decade-old memory that still holds a special place in her heart.
"The very first shot we did together was actually my debut in the movie," Kendrick recounted. "We were standing on this automated people mover, anticipating the camera's distant gaze, and he casually mentioned, 'Do you get jittery on your first day? I get so nervous. Do you ever feel insecure? I do, too. Like, did they really pick the right person for this role?' And there I was, nodding along, 'Yes, George, I do. I'm totally nervous and insecure, too.' He played along, pretending to have doubts about his own casting, saying things like, 'Yeah, I worry about that too.'"
Kendrick continued her anecdote, "It wasn't until years later that I suddenly remembered that moment and realized, 'No, he doesn't. He's not nervous, insecure, or worried about being the wrong choice.' Perhaps those were struggles he faced earlier in his career, but his willingness to share those fake insecurities was such a gift. It made me feel, 'Oh, okay, I can bring my anxiety into this moment, and someone will understand and be cool with it.' It truly calmed my nerves and turned out to be a beautiful act of fiction."
Directed by Jason Reitman, "Up in the Air" also boasted an impressive cast including Vera Farmiga and Jason Bateman. Kendrick and Clooney both received Oscar nominations for their performances, along with nods for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture.
