Oscar nominations 2013: Nominee reactions

“I hadn’t planned to listen live to the announcements, but when I got into the car this morning to go to work, the driver had the nominations streaming as they were being broadcast. To be honest, it’s very exciting but all a bit surreal, and it hasn’t fully sunk in yet. 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.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Above: “Flight” director Robert Zemeckis, left, and star Denzel Washington.

“‘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.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

“I feel like my house just crashed on the yellow brick road and everything just turned color. So proud of Quvenzhane and Lucy and of my whole ragtag band of warriors. I’ve got to especially thank the members of the academy for coming out for a movie made about as far from Hollywood as you can get. I think it’s a beautiful thing for independent filmmaking and for creative freedom everywhere.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

“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!”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Above: Malik Bendjelloul, left, musician Rodriguez

“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.”  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“I am very pleased that the Academy has chosen to honor the many individuals who were a part of ‘Silver Linings Playbook.’”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

“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.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)