Faxon and writing partner Jim Rash , whom he met while performing at The Groundlings , co-wrote the screenplay for the film '' The Descendants '' , starring George Clooney and directed by Alexander Payne . On February 26 , 2012 , the screenplay for '' The Descendants '' won an Oscar , with Faxon , Rash , and Payne all receiving Oscars for their efforts . The duo made their directorial debut with '' The Way , Way Back '' ( 2013 ) , based on their original screenplay , and starring Steve Carell , Toni Collette , and Sam Rockwell , among others . The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival , where Fox Searchlight Pictures acquired it for $ 10 million , and was released domestically to acclaimed reviews that July
Oscar
84th Academy Awards
Nat Faxon