Metro’s roundup of reactions from the Hollywood stars who found themselves nominated for an Oscar on Thursday,
“First an Oscar nomination, then I find a basically brand-new queen mattress on my drive home. This is an incredible day.” — Seth MacFarlane, songwriter, “Everybody Needs A Best Friend” from “Ted” (Best Original Song)
“I am very happy and gratified by the Oscar nominations that ‘Amour’ has received today, and that the voting members of the Academy have taken the film so strongly to their hearts. It is fulfilling to discover that a film has found the audience and critical acclaim that ‘Amour’ has garnered. I have been very fortunate on both those fronts, but it is especially rewarding to discover that a film has found favor among one’s industry peers who know, in particular, the effort that goes into getting a film – any film – made. I am also especially happy for all the people who made ‘Amour’ with me. It is a joyous occasion for us all. Many thanks.” — Michael Haneke, writer/director, “Amour” (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Language Film)
“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. Shooting ‘Amour’ with Michael Haneke was a complete joy for me, as I felt an absolute trust in him and we were in complete synch. Michael is the very music of his own film.” — Emannuelle Riva, actress, “Amour” (Best Actress)
“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, actor, “Argo” (Best Supporting Actor)
“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, director, “Life of Pi” (Best Picture, Best Director)
“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, “Frankenweenie” (Best Animated Feature)
“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.” — Mark Andrews, Director, “Brave” (Best Animated Feature)
“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 film makers who we had the pleasure of working with this year and I am so happy that their achievements are being recognized.” — Harvey Weinstein, The Weinstein Co., “Django Unchained,” (Best Picture), “Silver Linings Playbook” (Best Picture)
