the buzz log

The new movie "The Descendents," starring George Clooney, is getting plenty of good buzz, and even Oscar talk. But those who see the drama also want to know more about break-out star Shailene Woodley.

The 20-year-old is perhaps best known for her role of teenager Amy Juergens on ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," now in its fourth season. Her character discovers she is pregnant and the show follows the consequences of that life-changing event.

By the time the Simi Valley High School student was cast in that part back in 2007, the actress was already a veteran of the small screen. The California native went on her first audition at age five. She's appeared on shows like "My Name Is Earl", "The O.C.," and "Cold Case."

In "The Descendents," the plot centers around George Clooney, a distant parent, who must take charge of his two daughters after his wife's boating accident leaves her in a coma. Woodley says that in real life, Clooney is a "super human" who helped her become a "better person." She added that her performance was inspired by his: "When you have an amazing actor to work with, it raises the bar. You have to rise to the occasion."

If reviews are any indication, (Rolling Stone's Peter Travers calls the film "near perfect"), Woodley absolutely met the challenge. Variety named the up-and-comer on its "Startling Discoveries" award-season focus list.

Despite all the glowing critiques and award chatter, Woodley told the Chicago Tribune she has "zero expectations." Adding, "Anyone can say anything to me and it won't matter, because I'm in control of where I put those expectations. And right now, I don't have any. I'm just waking up with a big smile on my face. This experience was beyond what I imagined."