Posts Tagged ‘nominee reactions’

Nomination: Reaction

Tuesday, January 24th, 2017

“I am thrilled! Loved making this film. I would work with Tom anytime, anywhere. Jake and Aaron and Karl made it easy for me. Nice to get some good news in the midst of all the carnage, so to speak.” – Michael Shannon

 

“I was just lying in bed when I found out. I jumped out of bed screaming, ‘Mom, Dad I was nominated!’ ”  – Lucas Hedges

“My dad hopped out of the shower and put some clothes on soaking wet and just started crying. He was nominated for an Academy Award about 10 years ago, too, so I’m the second generation. It’s awesome.” – Lucas Hedges

 

“We talked a lot about the political climate and I thought the release was a little bit of gamble but felt it worked. Even though it was relevant to what happened several years ago, it still felt fresh now. As for the Jeff, we always saw this as him even when his schedule might get in way, we needed him. From the first day, I felt that he delivered another memorable performance.” – Julia Yorn

 

“This is beyond exciting and I am so happy to have been honored with this nomination.  A Man Called Ove is a simple story that contains the basic human elements of love, community and a certain level of decency.  Elements that feel very relevant these days.  There is a surprising love affair in the film and now I think we can also speak of a budding love affair between the film and the american audience. I am looking forward to introducing a man named Ove to a man named Oscar!” – Hannes Holm

 

“I am thrilled! Loved making this film. I would work with Tom Ford anytime, anywhere. Jake Gyllenhaal and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Karl Glusman made it easy for me. Nice to get some good news in the midst of all the carnage, so to speak.” Michael Shannon

 

“I continue to feel proud of the world wide team of artists and coders that made PEARL a reality.  Thanks especially to the pirates of Google ATAP for rallying behind our little labor of love and thanks to the Academy for this morning’s recognition!” – Patrick Osborne, “Pearl”

 

“I’m excited to go to the Oscars. I’m the kid who used to tape the Oscars and memorize Billy Crystal’s musical monologues. And you know, the Jack Palance running jokes… I used to tape them every year, so I’m thrilled to get to go to the party. And I’m really just so excited for the entire Moana team. I mean, I worked on the movie for the past three years. They’ve been working on it for five years. It’s a wonderful sort of congratulations from many, many years of hard work, so I’m thrilled to be a part of it.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda

 

“Just beside myself, I was just told that no African-American women has ever come back to be nominated so very grateful. I think this film is timely because these women are getting their time to shine. Young girls of all ethnicities should see this film becase it really reflects the American Dream for girls of races. The moment that got me was with Taraji and Kevin when she figures out the numbers and runs it all the way back to him in the finale and has John Glenn’s life in her hands. He almost doesn’t get on that rocket and his put his life in her hands and it really validated the movie in that moment.”  – Octavia Spencer

 

“I was hoping our movie would get lucky and I’m really proud to be able to represent Captain Fantastic. It was the little movie that could. It was one of the finest I’ve ever been part of … For a small movie like ours, it means the world to us.”- Viggo Mortensen

 

“It’s been quite the ride, it feels like I’m full circle. Yesterday was the day the film premiered at Sundance, it really is full circle. I always wanted to make movies that people connected with that encouraged and inspired people. To see it do so well and have people come to me and say how they connected is truly overwhelming. After I read the script and met Kenny, I was all in, and after seeing the first cut of the I knew it was something special. It’s been a marathon working this film but it’s been a good one. ” – Kimberly Steward

 

“We want to thank the Academy for honoring the hard work and passion that each and every artist put into Zootopia – the film, and its message of unity in a complex world, has been recognized in ways we couldn’t have possibly imagined.”  – Directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore and Producer Clark Spencer, Zootopia

 

“Ok, so I just received a call to say that I’ve been nominated for an Academy Award…To be totally honest, the news hasn’t made it’s way into my brain yet, but I’m looking at these beautiful smiling faces around me… Faces of the ones I love. And I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What makes this moment so much more poignant is that I’m in India right now. This enthralling country holds such a deep place in my heart, and it is where Saroo’s journey was born. This film would be nothing without Garth Davis. Without his love, commitment and vision this ‘Lion’ wouldn’t have been able to roar. To that extent I want to share this incredible feeling with Luke, Grieg, Jenny Kent, Iain, Angie, Emile, Sunny, Nicole, David, Rooney, Divian, Priyanka, the Brierley family as well as the Weinstein Co team.  ‘Lion’ reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the color of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin. It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.” – Dev Patel

 

Thank you so much to the Academy for this recognition. Making this film was incredibly rewarding and none of it would have been possible without the guidance from our fearless leader, Kenneth Lonergan. I am thrilled to share this nomination with Kenny, Casey, Lucas, and the rest of the cast, producers and crew. Congratulations to my fellow nominees. It is truly an honor to be included among such amazing women in this category.” – Michelle Williams

 

“I was watching my kids grow, learn and take brave steps in the journey of growing up when the idea for ‘Piper’ came to me. Since bringing it out into the world, I have realized ‘Piper’ is very much like a child to me, and I’ve watched with awe as it has been embraced by audiences worldwide. Now, to be recognized with a nomination is truly humbling. To the Academy, and all those that have helped shepherd Piper along her way, I am truly thankful.” – Alan Barillaro

 

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Barry, I am really grateful to have expierence to work with him and Naomi. We were all there for the right reasons and I think these nominations show that. Barry has an infectious optimism and is very clear what he wants that day while also doing an incredible job of empowering you. That makes for a more confident actor and a more confident cast.” – Mahershala Ali

 

“I’m very grateful to the Academy for recognizing my work in La La Land. It was a true collaboration, so to see everyone else’s wonderful work on the film acknowledged so generously makes it even more special.” – Ryan Gosling

 

“I’m so happy but I’m also disappointed for Amy [Adams] because she’s the heart and soul of the movie, if you’d asked me yesterday what were we going to be nominated for, I would have said 100% that she’d be nominated.” – Denis Villaneuve

 

“What a morning. I am so grateful for this honor and I’m so happy to share this feeling with my ‘La La Land’ family. The greatest part of life is connecting with people, and I love the deeply talented, kind and passionate people I was lucky enough to work with on this movie. I’m also overjoyed that the movie has connected with audiences in the way it has, and that it’s hopefully bringing a kick in their step to those who watch it. This is beyond any of our wildest imaginings and we can’t wait to celebrate together.” – Emma Stone

 

“Thanx to @TheAcademy for amplifying injustices of mass criminalization in @13THFilm. Love to our fellow nominees. xo” – Ava DuVernay

 

“Woke up this morning in beautiful Solano Beach after playing a cool gig at the Belly Up with my band the Abiders to find out I’ve been nominated for my performance in “Hell or High Water”.  What a thrill, especially for a movie that is so close to my heart. I really dug playing with Gil, Chris and Ben and being directed by the talented David Mackenzie. And such a GREAT script from Taylor. Woo Hoo! Thanks Academy.” – Jeff Bridges

 

“I haven’t taken it in yet, I said to myself no matter what it’s been a great year, and I was watching with my mom and I said turn it off when they started, but then my brother called to tell me.” – Naomie Harris

 

“What could be more exciting than listening to the nominations being announced while holding my newborn son! This is a truly wonderful honor.  I’m especially happy for Andrew Garfield, our producers Bill Mechanic and David Permut, our editor John Gilbert and our incredible sound teams.  The Academy’s recognition of our film is a testament to every single person who worked on Hacksaw Ridge, and to every soldier who made the sacrifices they made to fight for their country, including Desmond Doss.” – Mel Gibson

 

“I’m over the moon!  An Academy Award nomination is an extraordinary and cherished gift.  Two nominations is more than anyone could hope for.  Every filmmaker dreams of a moment like this.  But the truth is, I already lived my dream by making this film. Movies have always given me great joy. They enriched my life.  They inspired me to dream.  That’s the kind of film our team at Laika sought to make with ‘Kubo and the Two Strings.’  A film is a slice of a hundred souls.  In this case many more.  An incredible, immense community of artists gave ceaselessly and selflessly to breathe life into this story.  I’m so thankful for their talents and efforts and so proud of what we’ve done together.  I’m profoundly grateful to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who somehow saw fit to include us among the finest storytellers in film.  It is a tremendous honor to stand alongside them.” – Travis Knight, “Kubo and the Two Strings”

 

“It’s amazing, the thing that makes me the happiest of all is the people I made the movie with got nominated as well, this was a team effort and I’m just beaming with pride. It sure makes it that much more rewarding but also that much more shocking that it got made let alone get nominated. It just makes it more surreal and amazing that it’s getting recognized. The benefit of it taking so long to get made is we ended up making it with all the right people in the end.” – Damien Chazelle

 

“When I wrote the Lion screenplay, I set out to move people – to shift their emotional center. I wasn’t entirely certain if, or how much, I might succeed. But I hoped. So it was deeply gratifying and humbling to learn at our screenings – one person, one comment at a time – that I’d had some success in the matter. But the pleasantly surreal news of an Oscar nomination that I woke to this morning added a sweet note of delight: the thought that Lion might have moved peers and colleagues who had done such great work they had earned a place in the Academy. It is a terrific boost to be thought of in such a positive light by a group of people you look up to and admire.I think of the film as an anthem to the persistence of love. I didn’t consciously set out to write a film that would spark wider conversations about the ethics of adoption or the worldwide scourge of child sex trafficking. But I am so very grateful it seems to be doing that, too.” – Luke Davies

 

“Thank you to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—thank you so much for this honor.  I spent a good chunk of my childhood memorizing Billy Crystal’s musical Oscar monologues, so this is insane. Seeing The Little Mermaid changed my life at 9-years-old, so to work with its directors Ron Clements and John Musker on Moana has been a dream come true.  I share this humbling honor with them, my Moana songwriting partners Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, and the entire Disney family. Congratulations to all this morning’s incredible nominees. And future congratulations to the kids watching the telecast this year, singing along with their favorite songs, performing epic private concerts for the mirror with a comb or a toothbrush microphone. You’re next.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda

 

“As much as Kubo and the Two Strings is an homage to Japanese culture and to woodblock artists including Kiyoshi Saito, it is also a tribute to special effects pioneers Ray Harryhausen, Willis O’Brien, Jim Danforth, and the many innovative FX artists who tell stories using in-camera effects, puppets, and human hands. We’re thrilled for the artists at LAIKA who put years into realizing Kubo. For all of us at the studio, being recognized alongside such distinguished and talented members of the VFX community is truly an honor.” – Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean & Brad Schiff,  “Kubo and the Two Strings”

Kubo Trivia:  The first time an animated film has been nominated in the visual effects category since The Nightmare Before Christmas in 1994

 

“Whenever I showed up at a Q&A it felt that it was timely, I’m not that plugged in but that seemed to be the real sense. I was so close to it I wasn’t aware of what we had until we were at Telluride at that first screening, it was one of those mystical things that it started to come together at those early screenings. On set, I’m just working so hard that I didn’t really take the time to realize what was coming together.” – Barry Jenkins

 

“I want to thank the Academy for all of the acknowledgements you have given this heartfelt film. But, most importantly, I want to thank the Brierley family for putting themselves in such a vulnerable place and sharing their story with the world. And thanks to Garth Davis for putting his heart and soul into all of us. Woo Hoo!” – Nicole Kidman

 

“I think I knew I had something special when the cast came together and then I guess that first screening I understood that people related to the film like this. To me it’s one of the greatest performances, Matt’s also a great actor too but Casey really nailed it. Me and Casey just tried to focus on what is happening with that character and what he’s trying to do and what is getting in his way. It sounds kind of simple cause you do that with every character but this character dealing with a terrible loss while also trying to figure out to function and I think Casey is so good and narrowing those waters and always asked the right questions about the character. I didn’t really need to say that much, he liked to explore and I liked to explore, which made the experience that much more enjoyable.” – Kenneth Lonergan

 

“I was willing for these three women to be known, and now they finally are, and the friendship and camaraderie that develops between them is for me the most inspirational part of the film.” – Allison Shroeder

Nomination Reactions

Thursday, January 14th, 2016

“I am sitting in a coffee shop with my mum and just found out I have an Oscar nomination. Feeling very overwhelmed and just can’t believe it. Better pick out a gown.” – Sam Smith

“I am in London and just heard the good news! We gave it our all on this film and this appreciation from the Academy means a lot to me and my colleagues who made it possible. Champagne and Mezcal will run tonight!” – Alejandro G. Inarritu

 

“I am incredibly humbled by this honor. I was not expecting it … especially at this time in my life.” – Sylvester Stallone

“We made this movie with a lot of love: love for science, love for cinema, a sort of radical optimism about human beings. We didn’t know if the world would embrace it. They did, and now I’m so thrilled the Academy has embraced it too.” – Simon Kinberg, The Martian producer
“I don’t think we can expect any Oscars, but we’re perfectly happy just to be invited to the party. I think I’ll just keep looking around and go, ‘Wow. These people are supposed to be my peers?” – Nick Hornby, Brooklyn
“We were screaming like idiots in the pitch black with the smell of waffles in the room.” – Adam McKay, The Big Short
“”I was eating my lunch and the news came through. It gave me indigestion, but it was great news.” – Mark Burton, Shaun the Sheep
From the bottom of my heart thank you to the Academy. You have given our film the strongest of spotlights on a subject matter so cru”cial for many women across the world today. As a female director this support is crucial and I trust the absolute power of cinema to trigger change. Thank you to the five young actresses of Mustang for their courage and their persistence in defending freedom, the entire team of the film and to Cohen Media for having carried Mustang to such a beautiful day. Thank you to France, I am extremely proud and grateful to represent this country here today. This nomination is an absolute honor and a dream come true. ” – Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Mustang

“When we made Brooklyn, we had no idea of what was to come. It is the most personal film I have ever done, the hardest one too. I am honoured to represent this film with my friends – John, Nick, Finola, Yves, Colm, Amanda. This has all been a dream. To see how the film has been embraced has been heartwarming. Thank you so very much to The Academy – you are a group of people I respect greatly and to be recognized by you means so much.” – Saoirse Ronan

 

“I am profoundly honored by this Oscar nomination. Since 2007, over 100,000 people have been killed in the Mexican drug wars and over 25,000 have disappeared. I made CARTEL LAND to put a face to this violence and to examine the ramifications of what happens when citizens take the law into their own hands to fight back.Hopefully, this nomination will give voice to those trapped by this senseless cycle of violence, suffering, and corruption.” – Matthew Heineman, Cartel Land

“This is incredible news to wake up to. I am thrilled. I didn’t think the experience of working with Quentin [Tarantino] and this cast could get any more rewarding….to get this recognition for this role is such a joy.” – Jennifer Jason Leigh

 

“The Oscar noms were announced today. We now know who’s going to be throwing up at the Vanity Fair party.” – Chris Rock, via Twitter

 

“This nomination lends a voice to so many victims and their families around the world. Thank you to The Academy for recognizing the movement of people who have come together around The Hunting Ground and ‘Til It Happens To You’ in the name of sexual assault. Diane Warren and I are simply honored to represent the voices of so many survivors.” – Lady Gaga

 

“It makes it feel very personal, even though that’s kind of silly to say about an animated film with lots of color. It’s completely absurd in that it has emotions as characters, yet at its heart it really feels like this is something that came from my personal experience that was meaningful and difficult for me, both myself growing up and watching my kids grow up, specifically my daughter.” – Pete Docter, Inside Out

 

“I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. Making ‘The Revenant’ was one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible without Alejandro’s talent, vision and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees this season. Thank you to the Academy.” – Leonardo DiCaprio

 

“I am beyond grateful and humbled by this nomination. I feel incredibly honored to be recognized among the other amazing women in this category. Joy is an incredibly inspiring story about an ordinary woman who does extraordinary things. For me, working with David O. Russell has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I share this nomination with him as well as our incredible supporting cast. I could not be more proud to be a part of this film and thankful to the producers and Fox for their unyielding support.” – Jennifer Lawrence

 

“I am deeply grateful to The Academy for this honour. To be recognized alongside these actresses and their inspiring performances is humbling. To be a part of bringing The Danish Girl to life was such a gift and to receive this nomination is a thrill.” – Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

 

“Wow! Our film #Prologue has been nominated for an #oscarnoms. Mo and I thrilled.” – Richard Williams, via Twitter

 

“This is an incredible day for everyone involved in Room. Thank you to the Academy for honoring us with four nominations — it’s beyond all our wildest dreams. It is a testament to everyone who gave so much of themselves to make this film happen. I am so proud of Emma Donoghue whose incredible novel started the journey, of Ed Guiney, my filmmaking other half who has been with me, driving the train, from the beginning, and to everyone at Element Pictures Dublin, my filmmaking home, of the extraordinary Brie Larson and the prodigy that is Jacob Tremblay. Also love and thanks go to Stephen Rennicks, Nathan Nugent, Ethan Tobman and Danny Cohen, my filmmaking team. What a day for Irish cinema! I am so delighted.” – Lenny Abrahamson, director of Room

 

“I’m unbelievably honored and excited to be recognized by the Academy, and even more thrilled to share this honor with Lenny Abrahamson, Emma Donoghue and the entire ROOM family of filmmakers, cast, and crew. I’m so lucky and humbled to be a part of this beautiful story, in a once-in-a-lifetime role. Congratulations to my fellow nominees. Truly, I am very grateful this morning.” – Brie Larson

 

“It is a delight to be celebrated as a supporting actor in Steven’s beautiful film, Bridge of Spies. I cannot separate my work in the film from the work of my friend Tom Hanks. Every thought, every look, every expression you are celebrating in my portrayal of Rudolph Abel, I found them all in the thoughtful generous presence of Tom Hanks beside me, or behind the camera, yet still with me 100%, every take, every moment. Of course you would witness none of it without Steven, nor are any of the choices of what you witness mine. The performance belongs equally to him and all his wonderful crew, who I am proud to call friends, as I admire them enormously. May I say, I am particularly proud to be nominated as a supporting actor, as I find the level of supporting acting in films these days utterly convincing and very often extremely moving, even the smallest parts.” – Mark Rylance

Nominations Reactions

Thursday, January 10th, 2013

“First an Oscar nomination, then I find a basically brand-new queen mattress on my drive home. This is an incredible day.” –Seth MacFarlane

“Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.” – Seth MacFarlane to the Best Actress nominees

“The director of the film I’m currently working on just texted me. We had a $100 bet that I wouldn’t get nominated, but he texted me that he’s $100 richer! I’m over the moon!” – Seamus McGarvey, nominated for Anna Karenina

“We are overjoyed that our movie has been Oscar-nominated! We made it with the unending support of brilliant producers and an amazing crew at LAIKA, a unique and cutting-edge studio. On behalf of all of them, we are so proud that the enduring craft of stop-motion has been acknowledged by the Academy — and that the individuality of Norman himself is being celebrated.” — Sam Fell and Chris Butler, directors of the Best Animated Feature nominee ParaNorman

“I’m overwhelmed by the Academy’s response to the film. I heard that I’d been nominated while waiting to take off on a plane from JFK to LAX. James Gandolfini, who’s sitting in front of me, gave me a hug and a kiss, so I’m about as happy as can be.” – Tony Kushner, nominated for Lincoln

“Flight was one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever had in my career, and it was an honor to be directed by Robert Zemeckis. It’s always nice to be asked back to the show, and it will be fun to share the evening with our nominated screenwriter John Gatins.” – Denzel Washington, nominated for Flight

“I was in the car with my family when we heard the news – everyone was so excited! It’s a wonderful honor to be nominated among many great films and storytellers – Wes and I are thrilled.” -Roman Coppola, nominated for Moonrise Kingdom

“I’m very excited! I’m also very pleased that other members of the Anna Karenina  gang were nominated since this film was a collaboration.” -Jacqueline Durran, nominated for achievement in costume design for Anna Karenina

“This happening to me was the last thing I expected. Honestly. It’s such a great lineup this year. I didn’t think I had a chance, and I’m so thrilled. I was watching it on television. I couldn’t sleep. I think it might have been because it was a long plane trip, so I turned the TV on and there I was. I did shout out something quite unprintable. Just an expletive.” – Jacki Weaver, nominated for Silver Linings Playbook

“I am delighted to be nominated, and humbled by being in the company of composers whose work I have admired for so long.  For the fourth time, director Joe Wright has inspired me and made sure that I would not miss any of the opportunities that his movie opened up for the music.  I feel very grateful towards him.” – Dario Marianelli, nominee for Best Original Score of Anna Karenina

“This is a brilliant awards year that has been defined by an eclectic list of stories that have been told by incredibly talented and courageous filmmakers, and it’s an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as the other nominees in the Best Actor category. Having hosted the show, I have seen so many different sides of the Oscars, but to be an actual nominee is something I never would have dreamed possible.” – Hugh Jackman, nominated for Les Miserables

“I almost hyperventilated because I realized I had been holding my breath for a couple of months. I started crying and I started laughing, and then doing both at the same time.  And then the calls and the texts starting coming in.” – Anne Hathaway, nominated for Les Miserables

“There’s no way to be happier than putting on a tuxedo and going through a room full of people screaming.” – Alan Arkin

“I guess it’s time to pick out a tuxedo. I have no idea who I’m going to take with me (to the Oscars). Maybe I’ll just put up an ad on Craigslist.” – Rich Moore, nominated for Wreck-It Ralph

“I am truly happy, touched, and honored to receive, today in New York, a nomination for the role of Anne in Amour by Michael Haneke. For me, it is an immense gift, at this stage of my life, to be chosen by my sisters and brothers, for what I do as an actress. I never thought, while working throughout the years in Europe and France, that one day, I would cross the Atlantic Ocean, come to the United States, and be nominated. It is quite surreal for me” – Emmanuelle Riva, nominated for Amour

“That’s kinda cool, I got nominated. I get to go to the Oscars now.” –Seth MacFarlane

“I was dead asleep and my phone rang. It was my publicist of 21 years, so it wasn’t, like, some stranger — he’s a dear friend who has rooted for me. Then I pet the dog, so the dogs got a good half an hour of tickling. My daughter kept running around saying I was ‘mom-inated.’ Then I made her oatmeal and took her to school. It wasn’t like I drove over to the Beverly Hills Hotel and had Champagne.” – Helen Hunt, nominated for The Sessions

“I am so thrilled and humbled with this morning’s wonderful news. The journey of telling Maria Belon’s miraculous story of survival has been an incredible experience and I am so grateful for this acknowledgment of our film. I am truly honored.” –Naomi Watts, on being nominated for Best Actress for The Impossible

“I think it means a lot to Denmark because we’re only 5 million people, so it’s a small country and an Oscar nomination is incredibly big for us. I remember when Susanne Bier won for “In a Better World,” it was like winning a sports championship.” – director Nikolaj Arcel, on the nomination of A Royal Affair

“‘Oh my god I feel like Meryl Streep!! Thank you.” – Adele, nominated for Skyfall

“30 years in the making and 3 days in the writing — this is how “Suddenly” came to life 30 years after the original show was created. We wrote this song for the film on a suggestion from Tom Hooper, after he asked us to revisit a specific chapter of Victor Hugo’s novel. In this chapter Jean Valjean discovers an overwhelming feeling of love for the little girl Cosette, whom he rescues as promised to her mother — and this happened to him … “Suddenly.” — Claude-Michel Schonberg (music), Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil (lyric), nominated for Les Miserables

“My heartfelt thanks to the Academy for honoring LAIKA and ParaNorman with this nomination.  Working with our directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell and my fellow producer Arianne Sutner to bring ParaNorman to audiences worldwide has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life.  We’re indebted to Focus Features and Universal Pictures for their advocacy and resolve, to our exceptional cast members for their keenly felt performances, and above all to our unparalleled, extraordinarily talented crew for handcrafting a moving and beautiful work of art.” -Travis Knight, President and CEO of LAIKA

“Realizing our director Joe Wright’s bold and unique vision for Anna Karenina was a challenge, and ultimately a thrill. To have our work recognized by the AMPAS members is an honor, and a joy. We are proud to accept this nomination on behalf of what was a tremendous crew.” -Sarah Greenwood (production designer) and Katie Spencer (set decorator), nominees for Best Production Design, Anna Karenina

“I’ve been up for a while because I’m in L.A. in a hotel, since I’ve got these ceremonies tonight and through the next couple of days. So, my son Sam is here with me, and he banged on my door, and I’ve been up. I’m thrilled and honored and just so overwhelmed for our whole army of warriors.” – Sally Field, nominated for Lincoln

“My wife reminded me that I have been talking about this film most of my life which makes it that much crazier that I am nominated today.  I was driving my son to school today, who wasn’t even born when I first started writing this, and he was already asking me if he had a ticket to go to the Oscars.”– screenwriter John Gatins on his nomination for Flight

“I am so excited. … The funny thing is how I sort of talked myself into how I wasn’t going to get up [for the announcements]. But cut to: It’s like 4:30 in the morning, and I’m just puttering around the house, and then I got my mom up and my dog, and then we were watching.” -Bradley Cooper, on being nominated for Best Actor for Silver Linings Playbook

“My first reaction was just screaming. I immediately called Andrea and she was crying. Then I called Inocente and she is so excited and she asked me if she could bring her rabbit to the Oscars.” – Sean Fine, nominated for documentary short, Inocente

“I don’t know what to expect. Just the way awards season started, I didn’t expect much.” – Ang Lee, nominated for Life of Pi

“Well, I think the fact that everyone was saying [my nomination] was a lock was flattering, but it terrified me. I thought it wasn’t going to happen because fate has been tempted. So when I found out, I just started gulping air. I was a little nervous I was going to pass out. Hyperventilating gave way to crying — it was a full-on display of emotions.” – Anne Hathaway on her nomination for Les Miserables

“I’m beyond grateful, since I didn’t know what to expect. I’m especially over the moon for my actors. The fact that Bob [Robert De Niro] and [Jacki Weaver] were nominated is amazing. This morning was just a stunner.” – David O. Russell, nominated for Silver Linings Playbook

“I am deeply honored and frankly a little overwhelmed by all of the nominations that ‘Life of Pi’ has received this morning. So many talented people gave everything they had to this film, both in front of and behind the camera, and to see all of them receive this kind of recognition is something I am incredibly grateful for.” -Ang Lee, nominated for Best Director for Life of Pi.

“I am very pleased that the Academy has chosen to honor the many individuals who were a part of ‘Silver Linings Playbook.'” – Robert DeNiro on the nominations for Silver Linings Playbook.

“We are incredibly honored by today’s Academy Award nomination. Brave has been an adventure from the beginning — starting with our research trips to Scotland, the crew embarked upon a journey that inspired us all and forever changed our fates. Thanks to the Academy from all of us here at Pixar.” – Brave director Mark Andrews

“This is amazing! We tried to do something a little different with ‘The Pirates,’ in terms of tone and comedy, and it’s just brilliant that the Academy has responded to it in such a wonderful way.” – Peter Lord, director of The Pirates: Band of Misfits

‘Frankenweenie’ is a very personal film for me. The idea of telling a feature length version was in the back of my mind for many years. Stop Motion was the perfect medium for this project, and one I’ve always loved for its expressiveness and dimensionality. I’ve worked with so many incredible artists: animators, cast members, set builders, and puppet makers, all who have helped bring this film to life one frame at a time. I’m so honored that the Academy has recognized this film as one of its nominees.” -Tim Burton, director of Frankenweenie

I am blown away! I can’t say thank you enough to the Academy for their support of our films. We have a tremendous group of actors and filmmakers who we had the pleasure of working with this year and I am so happy that their achievements are being recognized.” – distributor Harvey Weinstein

“Being nominated means everything to us as directors – it means the world for the film!  We are both in LA with our families and upon hearing the news we ran around in the corridors, hugging each other, waking up the whole hotel at 5:40 in the morning!” – Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg on the nomination of Kon-Tiki

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition from the Academy. Working with Paul Thomas Anderson was a unique and wonderful opportunity that I am so grateful for. I’d also like to send congratulations to the other nominees and to my co-stars Philip and Joaquin.” -Amy Adams, on being nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Master

“To have the ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ team’s passion and years of hard work acknowledged by the Academy is an honor like no other. We are so proud, so grateful — I can’t wait to congratulate everyone in-person.” — Wreck-It Ralph director Rich More

“This is an unbelievable honor for us to be associated with a film of such impact and importance. As unimaginable as it was for this collaborative Palestinian and Israeli film to actually get made, is now the fact that it is being honored and recognized as both a work of art and landmark political documentary.  We are beside ourselves with pride to be the distributor of this unprecedented film.” – Richard Lorber, distributor of 5 Broken Cameras

“It is a true and surrealistic honor to realize ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ has been nominated for an Oscar. Being from Sweden, the Oscars were like a far-fetched fantasy you heard about growing up as a kid — something only one could dream of. The story of Rodriguez is unlike any I have ever known, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share his incredible journey with audiences worldwide. Thank you to the academy, to Sony Pictures Classics and to all those whose efforts and passions made this possible.” – Malik Bendjelloul, director of Searching for Sugar Man

“”I am of course very excited about the nomination this morning. Ben Affleck is an amazing director, and I am so happy that “Argo” was recognized in seven categories!” – Alan Arkin on the nominations for Argo

I was really shocked and stunned in the best way. Especially for Benh, he’s my best friend. I just genuinely wasn’t expecting any of this. I was doing yoga waiting for my laundry to dry, and my boyfriend turned the TV on even though I really didn’t want him to. I just wanted to steer clear. I haven’t even thought about what the Oscars will be like.” –Lucy Alibar, on being nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Beasts of the Southern Wild

“The five nominations for ‘Amour’ give it a great boost at the box office and it’s a movie like this that really benefits from an Oscar nomination. This is proof that Academy members do go out of their way to see all of the films that are quality.” – Michael Barker, Sony Pictures Classics

 

Nominee Reactions

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

“It’s a nice sound to wake up to the phone ringing on Oscar day.”
– Amy Adams, nominated for The Fighter

“It is with great honor and humility that I receive my Oscar nomination. I have been included with a group of top-notch actors who I respect and admire. I am humbled to be in their presence. I also would like to acknowledge the power of ensemble acting. The kind of acting that happened in this movie does not exist in a bubble. Any honor that I receive must be shared with Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Josh Hutcherson, Mia Wasikowska, the rest of the cast, and of course the inimitable Lisa Cholodenko. Thank you to the Academy. This nomination is a win for Marriage Equality and that is the most I could hope for.”
– Mark Ruffalo, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“This is a big surprise. I don’t agree with the concept of awards ceremonies, but I’m prepared to make an exception for the ones I’m nominated for. The last time there was a naked man covered in gold paint in my house, it was me.”
– Banksy, nominated for Exit Through the Gift Shop

“One thing I know is I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and it’s taken me 20 to get here. In another 20, I may be dead. I’ve been really trying to enjoy it and soak it up and really be grateful for it.”
– Mark Ruffalo, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“I could not have shot The Fighter (two years ago) without Amy in that freaking hotel. We had a ball and a blast, I can’t wait to see what she’s wearing, and yes, Amy, I AM going to to wear high heels!”
– Melissa Leo, nominated for The Fighter

4 nominations and 4 kids.  I am damn proud!”
– Annette Bening, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“As my 3-year-old daughter said, ‘Yay!’ I couldn’t put it any better myself.”
– Helena Bonham Carter, nominated for The King’s Speech

“[The nomination] is just wonderful. It was a labor of love for all of us. It was a wonderful film to be involved with. It broke all the rules … We’re very happy with being the underdogs. We’ll have a much better evening, actually. We’ll have a lot of fun. With Slumdog, there was a lot of pressure on us to win. And this time, we’re not the frontrunner, and we’re incredibly happy participants in the race, and we’ll watch everyone else get very tense.”
— Simon Beaufoy, Benomianted for 127 Hours

“What honor it is to be nominated for an Academy Award!  I’m actually on my way to the Van Nuys immigration and naturalization office for a  biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.   I’m looking at the Oscar nom as a good sign!  Maybe they’ll let me stick around and become a citizen now!”
– Dean DeBlois, writer/director of How to Train Your Dragon

“For Toy Story 3 to be recognized by the Academy as not only one of the best animated films of the year, but also as one of the ten best pictures of the year, is both humbling and overwhelming. I’m speechless; I feel like I’ve been blasted to infinity and beyond.”
— Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3

“Try as I could to act cool and not care, as soon as I heard our names called, I started crying like a little kid. Pardon the cliché, but this truly is a dream come true. I want to thank the Academy for this most phenomenal honor.”
– Stuart Blumberg, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“It’s so fantastic. I was up most of the night but nodded off and missed my actual announcement. But I got a call right away and lots of text messages from my ex-husband and my family and friends. I knew we were doing good work all along, but I had no idea it would get this kind of affection.”
— Jackie Weaver, Best Supporting Actress nominee, Animal Kingdom

“It seems like I was fired out of a cannon this time last year, and now it’s like I’m orbiting Pluto.”
– Colin Firth, nominated for The King’s Speech

“It’s a testament to the skill and the dedication devoted to this film by a very talented team of artists. And of course I sincerely hope that Jacques Tati would be proud of what we have achieved with his marvellous story.”
— Sylvain Chomet, nominated for The Illusionist

“As an Australian, I’m as excited to be recognized and honored by the Academy as my character must have been when his London speech therapy business flourished when the future King Of England happened to pop by one day. This story has struck such a rich resonant chord with audiences of all ages, which is very exciting — to have your work honored by your industry peers is even better.”
– Geoffrey Rush, nominated for The King’s Speech

“I was building Lego with my son and lost track of the time. Then the phone started ringing and I realized it must be good news. I’m incredibly touched and humbled. I grew up watching the awards and never thought this would be my reality. I’m thrilled for Natalie who trained tirelessly for a year and then trusted me with her soul and spirit.  And I’m so thankful the academy recognized my long time collaborators Matty, Andy and Scott. They are such focused and committed artists and their work inspired me every day.”
– Darren Aronofsky, nominated for Black Swan

“I think that what resonated is that it’s not a timely story, I think what resonated is that it is a timeless story, one with themes as old as storytelling itself: of friendship and loyalty, of betrayal, power, class, jealousy. These are things that Aeschylus would have written about or Shakespeare would have written about. And it’s just lucky for me that neither of those guys were available so I got to write about it.”
– Aaron Sorkin, nominated for The Social Network

“Currently celebrating with my colleagues three feet above the ground.  Not used to this much joy, or this much champagne at this hour.”
– Colin Firth, nominated for The King’s Speech

“I’m very honored and humbled to be recognized by the Academy with two nominations. Working with Danny Boyle is such a remarkable experience, and I’m so fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with him again. I’m immensely grateful to Fox Searchlight for their efforts on this incredible film based on the courageous story of Aaron Rolston.”
– A.R. Rahman, nominated for 127 Hours

“We are overjoyed that the Academy gave our film four nominations — what a journey, from years getting the movie together to Sundance last year to the Kodak Theatre next month! We made the film because we had something to say about the power of love, and I want to thank the Academy members from the bottom of my heart for showing us their love!”
– Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“I’m celebrating with the people who helped get me there — you and your colleagues in the various forms of press and media that have long witnessed my work and long written and spoken beautiful things about it and really, truly helped me get to this day. Everyone asks about celebrations and glasses of champagne. That I get the opportunity to talk to all of you and say: ‘We did it! This is awesome! Look at us now!'”
– Melissa Leo, nominated for The Fighter

“To be nominated in the animated feature film category is is an unbelievable thrill and honor.  I honestly couldn’t sleep last night in anticipation of the announcement.  When I was a kid I watched the Oscars with my grandmother – we never missed a broadcast.  I could never have imagined that as kid growing up in Colorado I would have a  chance to be a part of this amazing thing.    DreamWorks gave us a  place where we were free to create and pushed us to never ever stop short of the best we could do.”
Chris Sanders, writer/director of How to Train Your Dragon

“If you get six nominations, including best picture and best actor — I’d go see that movie. So I think it’s enormously important for the film.”
– Christian Colson, producer of 127 Hours

“I had no idea they were announcing today. I swear! I was totally taken by surprise. I just dropped the kids off at carpool. I was about five minutes from the school with a car full of kids. With so many kids, I didn’t even realize it was today. I’m glad I forgot about it. It’s made it all the more — I don’t know, just sweet and poignant and unexpected, you know?”
— Mark Ruffalo, nominated for The Kids Are All Right

“My cup runneth over. This is my tenth film musical, and Disney’s 50th animated film. An Oscar nomination puts the whole experience beyond words for me.” 
– Alan Menken, nominated for Tangled

“I am so honored and grateful to the Academy for this recognition,” Us Weekly magazine quoted Portman as saying in a statement. ‘It is a wonderful culmination of the ten-year journey with Darren to make this film. Making ‘Black Swan’ is already the most meaningful experience of my career, and the passion shown for the film has completed the process of communication between artists and audience. I am so thankful for the support we have received and I share this honor with the entire cast and crew of the film, especially Darren Aronofsky.”
– Natalie Portman, nominated for Black Swan

“I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude by this recognition by the Academy this morning.  I’m smiling from ear to ear knowing that lightning can strike twice and it feels electrifying.  I’m thrilled to be amongst these tremendously talented artists. A big congratulations to all the nominees!”
– Jeremy Renner, nominated for The Town

“It took us seven years, 13 financiers, and a 23-day shoot to make our film a reality. By recognizing Kids, the Academy has not only honored us but has given us hope and inspiration to the independent film community.” 
– Celine Rattray, producer, The Kids Are All Right

‘Playing Charlene was truly an inspiring experience and I’m so proud and grateful to have been a part of this movie. It’s an honor to be nominated in the same category as Melissa, and alongside such incredible actresses.’
– Amy Adams, nominated for The Fighter

“What an extraordinary journey this film has taken me on! ‘Rabbit Hole’ has been a labor of love and I’m so thankful to John Cameron Mitchell, David Lindsay-Abaire and the brilliant cast. This nomination reflects all of the heart and soul that these people have put into it and I can’t thank them enough.”
– Nicole Kidman, nominated for Rabbit Hole

“It has been such an incredible journey with ‘The Fighter’ and one that I am grateful to share with David O. Russell, Christian, Melissa, Amy, my fellow producers and the Ward and Eklund families, who are the heart and soul of the film.  Thank you to the Academy for this tremendous honor.”
Mark Wahlberg, producer, The Fighter

“Ten seems like an awful lot. We don’t want to take anyone else’s.”
– Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, True Grit

“On behalf of everyone associated with ‘The Fighter,’ we are deeply honored by The Academy’s recognition of our film.  This has been a labor of love for us and an incredible, rewarding  journey that continues with this nomination.”
— David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, producers of The Fighter

“To have ‘Toy Story 3’ represented in the Best Picture category is a great honor, and a fitting tribute to director Lee Unkrich, producer Darla Anderson, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and all of the talented people at Pixar, who worked so hard to live up to and exceed the standards and expectations of Toy Story fans and moviegoers all over the world.”
– John Lasseter, on behalf of Toy Story 3

 “It’s incredible to think that this morning’s Oscar nominations go back 7 years to the fateful day Stuart Blumberg and I crossed paths in a Los Angeles coffee shop and agreed to write KIDS together. If luck is preparation meeting opportunity, then that was the opportunity, hands down! I’m thrilled that I’ll be at the Kodak Theatre next month with Stuart, Mark Ruffalo, Annette Bening, Jeff Levy-Hinte, and my other producers who worked so hard to get this film made. I only regret that Julianne Moore didn’t get the acting nomination she so richly deserved. But the Picture nomination is as much hers as ours. We couldn’t have made this film without her heart, smarts and loyalty, not to mention her outstanding performance.”
– Lisa Cholodenko, nomianted for The Kids Are All Right

“The nomination is wonderful because working on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was one of the best creative experiences of my entire career. Tim Burton trusted us with his vision and the work on the screen is the result of an amazing collaboration with hundreds of brilliant artists, including my fellow nominees and a great team on set. You hope to have an experience like this at least once in career and I am so happy that our peers recognized the extraordinary complexity, detail and accomplishment that the visual effects in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ represent.”
– Ken Ralston, nominated for Alice in Wonderland

“I had a really hard time sleeping last night — for several reasons, but knowing this thing was happening in the morning is really nervewracking. You never can tell. I certainly knew it was a flashy role. It was electric on the page. But there’s so many things that can go wrong when making a film, who knows what it will turn out to be. And it certainly pulled together a fantastic film and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
– Jeremy Renner, nominated for The Town

“I’ve got a pretty full day coming up. I’ll stop by Mark’s house, I’ll stop by David’s house, give ’em both a big hug. [I’ll] try and stop by Christian’s house although he’s probably holed up and won’t even turn on the TV until 10 a.m.”
– Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity Media, on The Fighter nominations

“We felt this film was an important movie for our time because it describes our time. And in so many ways this is kind of timeless. And what an incredible pairing of a director and a journalist and a writer, in Aaron Sorkin. And what an incredible thing for Sony Pictures to have stepped up and produced this film and believed in it and gotten it out there.”
— Kevin Spacey, executive producer, The Social Network