Oscar Nominees React: From Ang Lee to Quvenzhané Wallis to Harvey Weinstein

Oscar nominees from Norway to Hollywood react to their chance at an award

Tim Burton is honored, the “ParaNorman” directors are in shock, and Harvey Weinstein is blown away!!!!!!!

Seth MacFarlane and Emma Stone announced the 2013 Oscar nominees Thursday morning and, in the time-honored tradition of orchestrated spontaneity, most of the nominees provide some sort of reaction.

Here's what they had to say:

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Ang Lee, director of "Life of Pi," 11 nominations including Best Picture: "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."

Also Read: Oscar Nominations: The Complete List 

Michael Haneke, writer and director of “Amour,” five nominations including Best Picture: “I am very happy and gratified by the Oscar nominations that ‘Amour’ has received today, and that the voting members of the Academy have taken the film so strongly to their hearts. It is fulfilling to discover that a film has found the audience and critical acclaim that ‘Amour’ has garnered. I have been very fortunate on both those fronts, but it is especially rewarding to discover that a film has found favor among one’s industry peers who know, in particular, the effort that goes into getting a film – any film – made.”

Tom Hooper, "Les Misérables," Best Director, Best Picture and six others: “What a wonderful year for movies when nine films with this kind of diversity get acknowledged for the industry's highest honor. I am so proud that "Les Miserables" joins them and that the Academy noted the magnificent work from Hugh, Annie, our legendary song writers and the superlative crafts experts whose work made our film what it was.” 

Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook," Best Actresss: "I'm so honored and grateful for this nomination and to be in the company of such talented actresses. Having the fortunate opportunity to work with David O. Russell was an extraordinary gift and I am so thrilled for my fellow cast members Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver who are all nothing short of amazing. This was a labor of love that we all poured our hearts into and could not be more thankful to The Weinstein Company and Harvey Weinstein for their unyielding support of the film. "

Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook," Best Actor: "To be a part of this group of actors who have put forth incredible performances this year, and for the movie to be recognized by the Academy the way it has been this morning with nominations for Bob, Jen, Jacki and David O!!!. It's a moment I'll cherish and never forget."

Denzel Washington, “Flight,” Best Actor: “‘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." 

Quvenzhané Wallis, "Beasts of the Southern Wild," Best Actress: “Everyone who made Beasts happen is so happy! Thank you to all you Oscar folks, from me, my mom and my dad. I am so happy for Benh and Lucy and the gang in Louisiana. Meeting all these great new people is one of the best parts for me. I want to thank my family, friends, fans and everyone so much. Beast it!”

Jackie Weaver, “Silver Linings Playbook,” Best Supporting Actress: "I am completely over the moon by this morning's news. To be nominated twice now is incredible, and to be a part of this wonderful film and amazing cast makes things even sweeter. I am so happy for David O. Russell and could not be more thrilled."

Robert De Niro, "Silver Linings Playbook," Best Supporting Actor: "I am very pleased that the Academy has chosen to honor the many individuals who were a part of "Silver Linings Playbook." 

Sally Field, "Lincoln," Best Supporting Actress: “I'm spinning and beyond thrilled on so many levels.  To be included in this amazing group of extraordinary craftsman and exquisite talents has been an honor in itself.  But now for us all  to receive so much recognition from the Academy I'm deeply appreciative and overwhelmed, and basically, I still can't believe I got the role."

Alan Arkin, “Argo,” Best Supporting Actor: "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!”

Emmanuelle Riva, “Amour,” Best Actress: “I am truly happy, touched, and honored to receive, today in New York, a nomination for the role of Anne in ‘Amour.’ It is an immense gift, at this stage of my life, to be chosen by my sisters and brothers, for what I do as an actress. I never thought, while working throughout the years in Europe and France, that one day, I would cross the Atlantic Ocean, come to the United States, and be nominated. It is quite surreal for me.  Shooting ‘Amour’ with Michael Haneke was a complete joy for me, as I felt an absolute trust in him and we were in complete synch. Michael is the very music of his own film.”

Adele (on Twitter), “Skyfall,” Best Original Song: “Oh my god I feel like Meryl Streep!! Thank you x”

Seth MacFarlane, “Ted,” Best Original Song: “First an Oscar nomination, then I find a basically brand-new queen mattress on my drive home. This is an incredible day.”

Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of the Weinstein Company, distributor of “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Django Unchained,” Best Picture: “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." 

Benh Zeitlin, director and co-writer of “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” four nominations including Best Picture: “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 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.”

Malik Bendjelloul, director of "Searching for Sugar Man," Best Documentary: “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.”  

Dror Moreh, Director of “The Gatekeepers,” Best Documentary: “I am deeply honored that the “The Gatekeepers” was nominated this morning by the Academy. Making this film was an incredible journey and I share this nomination with the entire crew and with Sony Pictures Classics. To be able share the accounts of the Shin Bet that had never been made public before with audiences around the globe is an honor only to be matched by the nomination. On behalf of everyone involved in the film, we share our gratitude to the Academy to be included among the other remarkable documentary nominees.”

Lucy Alibar, co-writer of “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Best Adapted Screenplay: “I am humbled and honored to be  mentioned alongside such great writers as Tony Kushner, David Magee, David O. Russell, and Chris Terrio.  Benh Zeitlin is my best friend and a dream of a writing partner.  It is thrilling that the academy has recognized the film in so many categories and our journey together continues.   This is a wonderful day and I am beyond grateful.  Thank you so much.”

Mark Boal, writer and producer of "Zero Dark Thirty," five nominations including Best Picture:  Thank you to the Academy for these incredible honors. And thank you to the writers who have honored me today with their generosity and to the academy for the Best Picture nomination. None of us would be so honored today without the genius and remarkable talent of Kathryn Bigelow, and to her we are forever grateful.

David Magee, writer of “Life of Pi,” Best Adapted Screenplay: “I'm honored that the Academy included me in this year's nominees for Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘Life of Pi.’ 2012 has, to my mind, one of the strongest years for films in recent memory and I couldn't be happier to be part of this incredible list of writers and screenplays. Everyone on the creative team for ‘Pi’ contributed to making this screenplay possible. I owe the greatest debt to Ang Lee, not just for inviting me along on this journey, but for the creative insight that he provided into every scene and line of dialogue I wrote, and for his gentle insistence that I never settle for 'good enough.'"

Roman Coppola, co-writer of "Moonrise Kingdom," Best Original Screenplay: “I was in the car with my family when we heard the news – everyone was so excited! It’s a wonderful honor to be nominated among many great films and storytellers – Wes and I are thrilled.”

Tim Burton, director of “Frankenweenie,” Best Animated Feature: "Frankenweenie is a very personal film for me. The idea of telling a feature length version was in the back of my mind for many years. Stop Motion was the perfect medium for this project, and one I've always loved for its expressiveness and dimensionality. I've worked with so many incredible artists: animators, cast members, set builders, and puppet makers, all who have helped bring this film to life one frame at a time. I'm so honored that the Academy has recognized this film as one of its nominees."

Peter Lord, co-director of "The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Best Animated Feature: "This is amazing! We tried to do something a little different with 'The Pirates,' in terms of tone and comedy, and it’s just brilliant that the Academy has responded to it in such a wonderful way."

Seamus McGarvey, "Anna Karenina," Best Cinematography: “The director of the film I’m currently working on just texted me. We had a $100 bet that I wouldn’t get nominated, but he texted me that he’s $100 richer! I’m over the moon!”

Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg, directors of "Kon-Tiki," Best Foreign Language Feature: "Being nominated means everything to us as directors-it means the world for the film! We are both in LA with our families and upon hearing the news we ran around in the corridors,hugging each other,waking up the whole hotel."

Mark Andrews, director of "Brave," Best Animated Feature: "We are incredibly honored by today's Academy Award nomination. 'Brave' has been an adventure from the beginning – starting with our research trips to Scotland, the crew embarked upon a journey that inspired us all and forever changed our fates. Thanks to the Academy from all of us here at Pixar."

Kim Nguyen, director of “War Witch,” Best Foreign Language Feature: “This movie has been a truly amazing 10 year journey and we are honored to be included in such an outstanding list of filmmakers from around the World. I will always remember when Rachel Mwanza, after being the first African woman to ever win the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlinale, returned home to the Congolese streets of Kinshasa and was greated by passionate chants and overwhelming pride. So, in the case of ‘War Witch,’ these recognitions do make a difference. They bring back pride to a nation that greatly needs it. I dearly thank the Academy Members for supporting this film, it is a great privilege and an honor."

David Silverman, Director of "Maggie Simpson in: 'The Longest Daycare,'" Best Animated Short: "This amazing recognition from the Academy is the craziest wake-up call I’ve ever received.  I'm very grateful to Jim Brooks, Al Jean – and especially Matt Groening, for creating "The Simpsons." They all gave me the opportunity to explore the world of pantomime with what are normally very verbal characters. I also have to give a shout-out to my parents – who I just spoke to – and thank them for allowing me to draw on the walls as a child. It kind of worked out!" 

 

Claude-Michel Schonberg, Herbert Kretzmer, and Alain Boublil,  "Suddenly" from "Les Miserables," Best Original Song: "30 years in the making and 3 days in the writing – this is how "Suddenly" came to life 30 years after the original show was created. We wrote this song for the film on a suggestion from Tom Hooper, after he asked us to revisit a specific chapter of Victor Hugo's novel."

Dario Marianelli, "Anna Karenina," Best Original Score: "I am delighted to be nominated, and humbled by being in the company of composers whose work I have admired for so long.  For the fourth time, director Joe Wright has inspired me and made sure that I would not miss any of the opportunities that his movie opened up for the music.  I feel very grateful towards him."

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