Oscar Nominations: The Stars React!

Following the nominations for the 86th Annual Academy Awards – which will be handed out on March 2 — the stars spoke out about their big Oscar news!

Here’s what they had to say:

Chiwetel Ejiofor, nominated for Best Actor, “12 Years a Slave”: “At no point during filming, in the sweltering heat of New Orleans, did any of us ever foresee the journey this film would take us all on. Steve McQueen created an entire family to tell one man’s tale and I am delighted that so many of this family have also been recognized today. I am hugely grateful to the Academy for this great honour, and, of course, to Solomon Northup for sharing his story through his breathtaking book.”

Sandra Bullock, nominated for Best Actress, “Gravity”: “I had already felt overwhelmingly blessed to have had the creative ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity that I did on ‘Gravity.’ The life experience I garnered on this journey is something for which I will forever be grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Academy for including all of us amongst nominees that have left us in awe with their work this year.”

Amy Adams, nominated for Best Actress, “American Hustle”: “I’m very honored to be nominated alongside such inspiring actresses. Congratulations to the cast and crew of ‘American Hustle’ and ‘Her,’ two films that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”

Jared Leto, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “Dallas Buyers Club”: “I am absolutely blown away by this incredible nomination. I never in my life thought I would have the opportunity to even write these words. Thank you so much to all my fellow AMPAS acting branch members for this honor. Today you not only honor me but also all those around the world living with AIDS and all those we have lost to this disease. Thank you for recognizing them and recognizing their struggle through ‘Dallas Buyers Club.’ This was a fascinating story told by a group of incredibly passionate and committed filmmakers who wanted to create something special and shine a light on a unique and important story. I’m proud to be a part of this celebration and so very grateful to you all. A huge congratulations to Matthew McConaughey, Robbie Brenner, Rachel Winter, Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack, Jean-Marc Vallee, Martin Pensa, Adruitha Lee, and Robin Mathews.”

Michael Fassbender, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “12 Years a Slave”: “I’m really chuffed with the Oscar nomination especially being recognised alongside such great actors. It’s a real honour.”

Judi Dench, nominated for Best Actress, “Philomena”: “This is just the loveliest news. I’m so happy for everybody involved, and so proud to have been part of the wonderful experience that ‘Philomena’ has been.”

Bradley Cooper, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, “American Hustle”: “This is so special and surreal and I’m truly honored. The nominations by the Academy for my fellow cast members, David and the film are a true tribute to David O. Russell, our mentor. I feel very lucky and humbled today.”

Meryl Streep, nominated for Best Actress, “August: Osage County”: “I am so happy for our film that Julia and I have been nominated. We are both so proud of ‘August: Osage County.’ This honor from the Academy, for which we are truly grateful, will help bring attention to our film from audiences across the country, which is thrilling.”

Steve McQueen, nominated for Best Director, Producer, “12 Years a Slave”: “I’m extraordinarily happy for all the cast and crew of our ‘12 Years a Slave’ family. This has been an amazing ride, and to receive nine nominations from the Academy is testament to all of the hard work. And for that I am truly grateful.”

Alfonso Cuaron, nominated for Best Director, “Gravity’: “Thank you Academy for this incredible recognition. These nominations are not just about single achievements, but rather the collective effort of hundreds of dedicated artists who made this dream a reality. On behalf of everyone involved with ‘Gravity’ I want to express our deepest gratitude to the industry, the exhibitors and the public for embracing this film so passionately. A special thank you to our friends and collaborators at Warner Bros. for staying on board this journey for more than four years. I am particularly moved by Sandy’s nomination. She is the heartbeat of our film. She immersed herself in the part. And I thank her for her grace, her trust and her dedication to finding the truth of this character.”

Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor, “Wolf of Wall Street”: “I am deeply humbled by this honor and even happier to share today with Marty, Jonah, Terry as well as this entire cast and crew. ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ has been a passion project of mine, and I found the role to be one of the most challenging and rewarding of my career. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees and thank you to the Academy for this extraordinary recognition.”

Julia Roberts, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, “August: Osage County”: “This was certainly a once in a lifetime experience and the recognition from it is an absolutely thrilling bonus. I simply could not be more excited right now.”

— Erin O’Sullivan