By Maria Esteves – October 18, 2011

The 49th New York Film Festival 2011(NYFF 2011) presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center press screening of The Descendants, directed by Academy award-winning filmmaker Alexander Payne was held at Lincoln Center’s Gilman Theater, Sunday, October 15, 11:30 AM. A live press conference immediately followed with director Alexander Payne, casts members Amara Miller (Scottie King), Beau Bridges (cousin Hugh), George Clooney (Matt King), Judy Greer (Julie Speer), Matthew Lillardl (Brian Speer), Nick Krause (Sid), Robert Forster (Scott Thorson), and Shailene Woodley (Alexandra King), moderated by chief critic Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter.

The Descendants to be released in select theaters November 23, 2011. Watch Trailer.

Questions posed by NYFF moderator chief critic Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter to actor George and director Alexander: How did you find each other for this film? Why did you want to do the film? How did you approach the location shoot in Hawaii?

Questions posed by NYFF moderator chief critic Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter to actresses Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller: How did you meet Alexander and get the role? What were the most challenging or interesting scenes and moments for the two of you in the film?

Question posed by the audience to actor Clooney and director Payne: Can you talk about about love and foregiveness in the content of the film.