If they gave an Emmy for best reaction, the clear favorite would be "House of Lies" nominee Don Cheadle, who joked that his bribe money had paid off. 

From awards show veterans like "Nurse Jackie" star Edie Falco to Emmy newbies like "Breaking Bad"s' Giancarlo Esposito, the ecstatic response of this year's crop of contenders for the 64th Annual Emmys competition make it clear that some early morning phone calls are worth taking.  

Also read: Emmy Nominations 2012: The Complete List [5]

Here's a look at how the major Emmy nominees are feeling this morning. 

Don Cheadle, Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series nominee, "House of Lies"
“Wow. My agent was right when he said, ‘You don't have to bribe all the people to get nominated, Don. Just the right people.’ This is the best $246,000.00 I've ever spent. Thanks, Emmy.”

Edie Falco, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series nominee, "Nurse Jackie"
“I love 'Nurse Jackie' and I’m very honored to be recognized by my peers. This year is particularly exciting with several of my castmates also being nominated.  It is great year for Nurse Jackie!”

Steve Buscemi, Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series nominee, "Boardwalk Empire"

“There are so many amazing performances this year by actors I really admire, that it means a lot to me to being included among them.” 

Hugh Bonneville, Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series nominee, "Downton Abbey"
"To be part of a show like 'Downton Abbey' is thrilling enough, that it has been embraced by American audiences to the extent it has and for the show to have received 16 nominations from the Emmy voters this year is astonishing. I can hardly believe that I've been nominated alongside five legends of contemporary television drama -- Steve, Bryan, Michael, Damian and Jon. I'm truly honoured."

Kevin Costner, Outstanding Actor in a Movie or Mini-Series nominee, "Hatfields & McCoys"
"Filming the 'Hatfields & McCoys' was one of the most fulfilling and inspiring projects that I’ve had the opportunity to work on, and it was truly gratifying that audiences tuned in to see our interpretation of this classic American story. To be recognized for our work by the members of Television Academy this morning is the cherry on top. I share this nomination with everyone who contributed to this project from the producers, cast and crew to the great team at History, who really stepped up to support the creative vision of the filmmakers.”

Giancarlo Esposito, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series nominee, "Breaking Bad"
"I've had a really wonderful career that I'm grateful for. It's really wonderful to be honored for this. I'm over the moon. In between phone calls I'm shouting: 'Is this really happening?' I'm in gratitude to the viewers. I'm in gratitude to the creators of 'Breaking Bad.' They renewed the idea that story matters and can make a difference."

Jessica Lange, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or A Movie nominee, "American Horror Story"
I want to thank the academy for honoring American Horror Story for all the incredible nominations. It's been wonderful to work on a show with such talented actors and the fabulous creative team of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and all the brilliant writers who make Constance such an interesting character to play.

Joanne Froggatt, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominee, "Downton Abbey"
"This is the biggest and best shock of my life, I honestly didn't expect it and I'm overwhelmed. Amazing!"

Anna Gunn, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series nominee, "Breaking Bad"
"I'm totally thrilled to be recognized along side such great actresses; Maggie Smith is one of my favorites of all time. 'Breaking Bad' has had a wonderful, whirlwind week starting with the extraordinary reception we received at Comic Con ... I'm so proud to be a part of it and I've never been so happy to be woken up before 6 a.m.!"

Julian Fellowes, Creator, Writer and Executive Producer, "Downton Abbey"
"It is a great honour and tremendously exciting to find our show on the list for this year's Emmy Ceremony. The very steep competition can only be considered a compliment, since they are all fantastic programmes, and I hope they are as happy as I am, celebrating their nominations.”

Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, Executive Producer, "Homeland"
“It's an incredible thrill to be nominated our first year out. When we wrote the pilot, we never imagined that the Television Academy would include us in the company of such extraordinary nominees. We're grateful for the acknowledgment and for having such great partners in Showtime and Fox 21.” 

Bill Hader, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nominee, "Saturday Night Live"
"It's a great honor, though there should be parentheses next to my name with all of the ‘SNL’ writers.  And now I have to kiss up to the cast members of ‘Modern Family’ in hopes that they pull a Ving Rhames and give me their award when they win."

Heidi Klum, Outstanding Reality Competition Program nominee, "Project Runway"
"We've been celebrating our 10th Anniversary Season -- in fact, the premiere is tonight. So it's double good news.  We are so honored and thrilled at being nominated for an Emmy!!  After 10 seasons, I'm so proud that we've been able to keep 'Project Runway' fresh and exciting. Can't wait till the Emmys, fingers crossed!"

Ryan Seacrest, Outstanding Host of a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for "American Idol" and Outstanding Reality Program for "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" nominee
"I am honored that the Academy chose to recognize my work on ‘American Idol.’ I feel so fortunate to be part of such a remarkable show, and to have the opportunity to work with the many talented people that make Idol a success each and every season. I also want to applaud Jamie Oliver and our fellow producers of 'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution' for receiving our second Emmy nomination, as we're all so proud of the show."

Mare Winningham, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or A Movie nominee, "Hatfields & McCoys"
“Some projects just have a special magic, a chemistry of actors, of producers, of director and location. History's 'Hatfields and McCoys' was one of those filming experiences.”  

Jimmy Fallon, Outstanding Variety Series nominee, "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"
“So happy to get nominated!  Can't wait to get back to the Late Night office and celebrate!  But first I gotta leave this theater and change out of this Batman costume.”