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Anna Kendrick has done what few other people in Hollywood could do — stolen scenes from George Clooney.

In “Up in the Air,” Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a frequent-flying hatchet man, hired by other companies to fire people.

This orderly existence is threatened by Kendrick’s character Natalie, a seemingly stoic efficiency expert who plans to revamp the company.

It’s a role that has created considerable Oscar buzz for the 24-year-old actress.

It has also garnered her the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Rising Star Award, which will be presented during Tuesday’s black tie awards gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Kendrick is already a favorite among younger fans for her work in the blockbuster “Twilight” franchise, playing the dizzy friend Jessica to Kristen Stewart’s vampire-crazy Bella.

We spoke to Kendrick the morning her Golden Globe nomination was announced.

• [x001] Candids in 2009 – December 31st: Arrives at the Palm Springs Regal Cinemas

DESERT POST WEEKLY: Tell me about the first time you read the script for “Up in the Air.”

KENDRICK: When I read the script, I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it was.
I read a fair amount of screenplays, and roles like this aren’t written for young women anymore.
(The character) Natalie Keener had her own story and her own arc. She didn’t just revolve around some boy’s romantic crisis. She has her own life and her own career.
I couldn’t be more appreciative of having such a fantastic script to work with.

“Up in the Air” has received rave reviews. Why do you think it resonates with so many people?

I think it’s an incredibly timely movie, as it deals with the economy.
Also, the themes are completely timeless — trying to figure out what you want in your life and what your priorities are. Everybody understands that.

How did you prepare for the role?

I talked to my friends a little bit about what is at the core of Natalie. I think she is handicapped by being female. It is something she wants to overcome so badly she chooses a life path to prove she can be one of the boys. She conquers that, but at what cost?
I’ve been lucky enough to have this outlet, so I can work out a lot of things through my acting. However, I can relate to that frustration.

I was pleased to see Young MC in the film. Was that scene as fun to make as it looked?

That was so much fun, and Young MC could not have been nicer. I call him Marvin, and he is the sweetest human being ever.

What kind of traveler are you?

I’m a bad traveler. Terrible.
Most of all, I’m a bad packer. I’m an overpacker. I fumble through security. I lug too many things around.
I thought that this movie would magically turn me into one of those travelers who has everything just so in a carry-on, but that hasn’t been the case.

How surreal is all the attention you’ve been receiving?

It’s pretty bizarre, especially with things like the Golden Globe nomination. I can’t believe I’m going to be there. I still have that childish sense about them, like wait — those things are on TV. That’s for glamorous people, not me.

What kinds of things do you enjoy outside of acting?

I just sit around and watch a lot of movies. I’m seriously two knitting needles away from being a grandmother.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen this year?

I loved “Fish Tank.”
But I really like just about everything. I certainly don’t shy away from sci fi or fantasy or any genres like that.

What’s it like to be part of the “Twilight” phenomenon?

I don’t get a lot of attention that the others do, thank goodness. I get to be pretty normal.
That’s the blessing of being one of the human characters. At the end of the day I can just be Anna.

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