George Clooney in the first still released for "Up in the Air."

Credit: Paramount Pictures

One of the more intriguing last minute additions to the awards season calendar is Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air." 

A dramedy based on a novel by Walter Kirn, "Air" centers on Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a traveling corporate downsizing expert whose dream of reaching 10 million frequent flyer miles is threatened when a new woman (Vera Farminga) enters his life.

It was unclear whether the film would even release in 2009, but Reitman has worked quickly enough to ensure that and a debut at this year's Toronto Film Festival (although Telluride wouldn't be out of the question too).  Reitman's family has a long history with the festival and its given a great kick off to his last two features, "Thank You For Smoking" and the Oscar-nominated "Juno."

Clooney has also been a staple at Toronto the last few years with "Michael Clayton"and "Burn After Reading" screening at the annual September fest. This time around he'll have both "Up in the Air" and "The Men Who Stare At Goats," directed by his good buddy Grant Heslov, in the mix.

Paramount Pictures released what can only be the teaser poster for "Up in the Air" today (see below) as well as the first official still of a stoic Clooney looking what can only be a terminal monitor for his next flight.

In any event, "Air" is one to keep an eye on.