Oscar Nods: The Nominees React!

The race for the Academy Awards began this morning, and stars honored with nominations are reacting to the nods.

Brad Pitt, nominated for Best Actor for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" said, "This is a great honor for the movie, and I'm especially happy for David Fincher, for without him there would be no Ben Button."

Pitt's partner, Angelina Jolie, also received a nod as Best Actress for "Changeling." Jolie released a statement saying, "Working with Clint Eastwood was a reward in itself that will last me a lifetime. To receive a nomination from the Academy on top of that is a privilege beyond any expectation. It has been an exceptional year for acting, and I am honored to be in the company of these talented actors whose performances all deserve this recognition. I am also happy that 'Kung Fu Panda' was noticed by the Academy and proud to be a part of a film my entire family loves so much."

"The Reader" star Kate Winslet, nominated for Best Actress, said, "I'm extremely happy to have been nominated... Playing Hanna Schmitz will always remain one of the biggest challenges I've ever been blessed with. I'm genuinely thrilled not just for myself but for the wonderful Stephen Daldry and David Hare. These nominations are a testament to their unwavering commitment to this film. And I'm also very happy for all the people in Germany whose hard work on 'The Reader' has been rewarded by these nominations. Surely Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack are smiling down on us today!"

Marisa Tomei, who received a Best Supporting Actress nom for "The Wrestler," said, "I am so honored to be nominated for a film in which I am so proud and to be included with such a wonderful and talented group of women. It was an honor to work with Darren and the rest of the cast and crew of 'The Wrestler.' Congratulations to Mickey, for an extraordinary performance."