The Academy Award nominations were announced Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, and some of Hollywood's A-listers are beaming with excitement! See what they had to say!
For her riveting performance as a man in "Albert Nobbs," Glenn Close was honored with a Best Actress nod. It is her sixth Oscar nomination.Close noted her fierce competition for Best Actress, saying, "It's an incredibly strong year for women. It's just so thrilling to be in the company of these other women -- and cross-generational, which is great."To celebrate her nomination in NYC, "Extra" gave the star a big box of chocolates, which she had a difficult time opening.Close even enlisted the help of actor Henry Winkler, who said, "I'll hold, you open it." After many tries, she finally opened the box of sweets, and thanked "Extra" for the thoughtful present.[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_trm8nwf8/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
Michelle Williams received a Best Actress nomination for her role in "My Week with Marilyn.""I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors -- a special congratulations to Kenneth Branagh -- and the fearless Harvey Weinstein. This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyn's legacy."
Newcomer Rooney Mara was nominated for Best Actress in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," and told "Extra" she feels honored to be in a category with such talented actresses."Those are women I've looked up to, and that has inspired me."[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_jym6mx28/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "The Help," Octavia Spencer beamed, "I am on a cloud of happiness."[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_taxvuwtt/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
Actress Viola Davis, nominated for Best Actress for her work in "The Help" had a special message to fellow nominee George Clooney. "Stop following me George. You're obsessed with me," she laughed with "Extra."[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_am0synwe/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
Making his mark on Hollywood, Jonah Hill received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in "Moneyball" with Brad Pitt."For the rest of your life, people are going to say, 'Academy Award Nominee Jonah Hill.' It doesn't seem real yet."[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_64iirj71/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
"The Artist" star James Cromwell talked with "Extra" host Mario Lopez at The Grove about the Oscar-nominated film.[https://cdnbakmi.kaltura.com/p/594231/sp/59423100/thumbnail/entry_id/1_v8jfuu1m/width/120/height/90/bgcolor/000000/type/2]
Husband and wife team Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."O'Connor, who died at the age of 49 in 2010 from cancer, received a posthumous nod.Her husband Peter released this statement:"I'm stunned and thrilled to hear about the nomination. I wish more than anything in the world that my wife Bridget O'Connor -- who did the lion's share of the adaptation -- could be here to enjoy this moment. She would be so happy and so proud. I'm going to go and meet my daughter now and tell her how clever her mother was!"
"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" was recognized twice -- with a nod for Best Picture and another for Best Supporting Actor to Max von Sydow."My sincere thanks to my colleagues at the Academy. It is wonderful. I don't know what to say -- I am dumbfounded."
Beau Willimon, the screenwriter for "The Ides of March" starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, expressed his excitement after receiving a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay."It's been an incredible eight year journey from the first draft of the play until this moment.Working with George and Grant has been one of the most rewarding collaborations of my career, and I couldn't be more thrilled that our film is getting this kind of recognition."
Funnylady Melissa McCarthy received a Best Supporting Actress nod for her feisty role as Megan, in the comedy "Bridesmaids.""My fingers are crossed. Anytime you get a comedy in there I just root for it!"
"This is an extraordinary honor.I am dizzy with joy... and caffeine.Considering both films, 'Moneyball' and 'The Tree of Life,' nearly didn't make it to the screen, this is especially sweet.And I'd like to thank all the artisans and craftsmen who gave their best to each film.I am especially over the moon for Jonah (and the other Moneyballers acknowledged today), Terry Malick and the tribute this is to Billy Beane and the Oakland A's organization.My congratulations to all the nominees...pancakes for everyone."
