Christoph Waltz admits his language skills help with seduction. Vera Farmiga urges flyers not to get behind her baby carriage during check-in. Woody Harrelson isn't clearing off space on his trophy shelf. Carey Mulligan has been stalking Kathryn Bigelow and bumping asses with Tarantino.
These were just a few of the nuggets gleaned from Monday's Oscar nominees luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Directors, actors, and actresses from several of the top films in contention for Academy Awards this year took time out from what was being billed as an informal get together (albeit it one with a red carpet and security worthy of a State of the Union address) to answer questions from a gaggle of reporters about the Oscar ride, getting into character and, of course, what they planned to wear on the big night.
While leaving their cocktails, ahi tuna won tons, and tandoori chicken in the main ballroom, nominees from Jeff Bridges to Sandra Bullock dropped the mingling to reflect on their hunt for the little golden guy (pics to come).
Here's a sample of some of the best responses:
Jeff Bridges, nominated for best actor, "Crazy Heart"
(On his character, Bad Blake) "He doesn't mean to be a bad guy, he's just irresponsible. That's just the path life has taken. I just follow the script and didn't set out to make him likable."
Jeremy Renner, nominated for best actor, "The Hurt Locker"
(On what he learned about the military from working on the war drama) "I walk up to any military personnel now and shake their hand and thank them for their service...It means so much when they say 'I show it to my wife or to my family to show them what it was like.'"
Colin Firth, nominated for best actor, "A Single Man"
(On why he took the part in designer Tom Ford's directoral debut) "I read the script and thought, 'I hope this is a great big style fest...I wanted be beautiful and lit well...unfortunately, I showed up and had to do alot of acting."
(On advice for young actors) "I don't think anyone should ever ask actors for advice on anything. Just look at how we behave at times. We're not exactly a paradigm for a good lifestyle."
Gabourey Sidibe, nominated for best actress, "Precious"
(On who she wanted to meet at the luncheon) "Steve Martin is the person I want to meet. My mom had a crush on Steve Martin and we used to watch 'The Jerk' every day. I'm excited that the show will be hosted by Jack Donaghy and the Jerk."
Sandra Bullock, nominated for best actress, "The Blind Side"
(On her mantra) "If I get up and I'm breathing and I'm happy, then I know it's a good day. I have a post it note by the side of my bed and it says, 'expect as good as you give.'"
(On what she will wear to the Oscars) "If I have to wear a trash bag, I'll belt it with rhinestones and I'll make it work."
